Think before you drink.
Drinking too much alcohol can have devastating consequences on
your life and could lead you into trouble with the police.
Binge drinking changes your normal
behaviour – it can make you more aggressive and more likely to
commit a crime – click 
here to see
why.
Alcohol can also diminish your
senses and make you more vulnerable to becoming a victim of
crime.
The simple message is to
think before you drink and to know your limits.
Do you drink too much on a night
out?
Click on the links below to
ensure you know your limits when drinking
The consequences of excessive
drinking
Drink responsibly
Have a safe, great night
out
Advice for young people and
parents
The Consequences of excessive
drinking
Consuming too much alcohol can have
a serious impact on your life and those around you.
Excessive drinking can:
- Increases the likelihood of you
becoming a victim of crime.
- Increase the likelihood of you
committing a crime.
- Result in you being handed an £80
fine by police officers or spending a night in the cells.
- Result in serious injury or
death.
Did you know?
- You can get an £80 fine for
urinating in the street.
- You could lose your job because
you’ve got a criminal record after fighting when you were
drunk.
- You’re less in control if you’re
drunk and more vulnerable to being a victim of crime, including
having your wallet or mobile phone stolen, being assaulted or even
sexually assaulted.
- It takes you longer to react so
you could be knocked down in a road traffic collision.
Click here to see why it is
important to know your limits when drinking alcohol.
Drink responsibly
You can still enjoy alcohol but
it’s important to drink responsibly to stay safe.
Remember you can still have a great
night out if:
- You alternate alcoholic drinks
with soft or low alcohol ones.
- Drink more slowly.
- Consume alcohol with food.
- You don’t drink when you are
stressed.
What to know how much you’re drinking? Click
here to find out
Tips for a safe, great night
out
If you are going out to drink,
remember the following:
- Leave the car at home and use
public transport or book a licensed taxi.
- Use a taxi marshalling scheme if
there's one in your town - Stevenage, Hertford, St Albans and
Watford.
- Know your limits and drink
sensibly. Stop when you know you have had enough.
- Make sure you and your friends all
look after one another and all get home safely.
- Avoid confrontation – walk away
instead.
Don’t Drink and Drive
If you are found to be driving
whilst under the influence of drink you can face:
- A minimum of a 12-month
disqualification, as well as a fine and/or imprisonment.
- The offence of causing death by
careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs now
carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment and a
disqualification of at least 2 years.
Help and support
If you’ve been a victim of a sexual
assault, help and support is available.
Click
here to find out more.
Advice for young people and
parents
Hertfordshire Constabulary is
supporting the Government’s Why Let Drink Decide campaign.
There is information for young
people about the realities of alcohol and practical advice for
parents to speak to their children about the dangers of
drinking.
Click
here to find out more.
