Treated responsibly, alcohol is associated with enjoyment and celebration, but it is common knowledge that excessive or inappropriate consumption can cause health and social problems for individuals and society.

Local Nights Out promotes responsible drinking.

The following guidelines may help you to enjoy your night out responsibly.

Know your limit. Set a limit before you start drinking and when you reach it, stop. Avoid one more for the road!

Plan how you're going to get home before you leave. Make sure you've got numbers for taxis or book one in advance and make sure you keep aside enough money to get home safely.

Eat before you go out to help line your stomach or eat during the evening.

Drink water regularly to stay refreshed and re-hydrate. Tap water is free in most pubs and bars

Pace your drinking. It’ll help keep you on the ball!

Use soft drink spacers to pace yourself. A tonic looks just the same as a vodka and tonic. A cola looks the same with or without the rum.

Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know and never leave your drink unattended. It's all too easy for someone to spike your drink.

Keep your friends and family up to date with where you are.

Look out for your friends and make sure they look out for you. It’s often the people around you who are first to notice if you have had too much to drink.

For more information on how to enjoy alcohol responsibly visit Drinkaware.