Staying Safe During The Euro’s
Football fans across North Wales watching the Euro 2016 tournament in pubs, clubs, public squares or at home are being encouraged to enjoy the games, but to behave responsibly.
It’s known that big sporting occasions not only bring people together in a positive way, but they can also play a part in incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour, including domestic abuse, often fuelled by excessive drinking.
During the tournament North Wales Police officers will be on patrol with a special focus during the Wales games on a June 11, 16 and 20, and on further dates if the team progresses.
With the help of funding from the North Wales Substance Misuse Area Planning Board, which commissions local services including police, health and councils in tackling the misuse drugs and alcohol, the Force will be working with St John’s Ambulance in Flintshire, taxi marshals in Conwy County Council and licensees across the region.
Police and licensing authorities are reminding licensees to make sure they have suitable plans in place to deal with the anticipated increase of customers wanting to watch the tournament, which also includes home nations, England and Northern Ireland.
The British Beer & Pub Association has developed a guidance document with the support of the Local Government Association and the National Police Chiefs Council.
To help make Euro 2016 screenings a success pubs should benefit from this clear guidance, which forms a comprehensive checklist of issues for licensees to consider.
Supt Jane Banham said; “We want people to enjoy themselves, but we know from experience that some people will come to harm due excessive alcohol and it is the emergency services and local councils who are left picking up the pieces.
“People need to take greater responsibility for themselves and their friends to reduce the likelihood of them being injured, becoming a victim of crime, or being involved in violence through excessive drinking.”
The Force says it will deal firmly with anyone who commits domestic abuse.
Supt Banham added; “Domestic abuse happens all year round; however, during such large scale sporting events we sometimes see an increase in such incidents.
“A minority of people will use the occasion to drink too much alcohol and abuse their partner or someone they live with. We advise responsible drinking and we will deal immediately with anyone who commits domestic abuse.”
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