Think Safe Drink Safe

Carlisle and Eden have never had more to offer to visitors looking to enjoy a night out than now. There are over 400 licensed premises including pubs, bars and restaurants. A growing number of town centre venues are now hosting live music events, with Rock, Jazz, Indie, Blues, RnB, Folk, and Comedy. Add to this the cinema and several leisure, keep fit and sports facilities and you are never going to stuck for a night out again.

Plan for a night out

• Pace your drinks and have an idea how many units are in what you are drinking - Check this site for more information www.drinkaware.co.uk. Also avoid being in a big round.
• Try to alternate alcoholic drinks with some soft drinks or water throughout the night.
• Avoid top ups as you can soon loose track of how many units you have had.
• Eat before or during a night out, as eating slows alcohol absorption.
• Plan how you are going to get home before you go out, Carlisle and Eden have a good Bus and taxi network.
• Make sure you know when to call it a night and how you’re getting home. A good tip is to keep your bus or taxi fare separate from your drinking money.
• Never drink and drive.

Take Care of Your Drinks

• Never leave your drinks unattended!
• Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t REALLY know or don’t REALLY trust.
• If having a drink bought for you, be at the bar and watch it being poured or opened so you know what you’re drinking.
• Don’t share or exchange drinks.
• If your drink tastes strange, you notice a change in its colour, or you are unsure if someone could have tampered with it don’t drink it!
• Try to avoid caffeinated mixer drinks. Caffeine can speed up alcohol absorption.

Take Care of your Friends

• Look out for your friends and make sure they look out for you.
• If you are going to leave your friends tell them where you’re going, who you are going with and when you are due to return. Arrange for a phone or text message to let them know you’ve arrived safely.
• Don’t mix drugs with alcohol and don’t let yourself or your friends get so drunk that they lose control.
• Stay with a friend who is drunk, feeling sick, uncoordinated, confused, feeling faint or dizzy. Don’t leave them alone. If you are worried, take your friend to a safe place and tell a member of staff about your concerns.

By following these simple precautions you can ensure that you and your friends can safely enjoy a night out in Carlisle and Eden - Cumbria’s premier night time destination.