This week marks alcohol awareness week and Solihull Council has offered reassurances to everyone visiting the bars and clubs Solihull Town Centre that local organisations; including the emergency services, are working behind the scenes to ensure that everyone can ‘have fun and stay safe’.
The campaign, which is being run from the 14th to 20th November will see the Council work closely with West Midlands Police, SIAS (Solihull Integrated Addiction Services), West Midlands Fire Service and Fast Aid to visit pubs, bars and clubs and offer people advice about safe drinking and looking out for their friends. With the help of a Police sniffer dog, the teams also search premises for drugs as well as checking the credentials of door supervisors.
I am proud to endorse this action, which is being championed at SMBC by Councillor Tony Dicicco, Meriden Councillor and Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities and Partnerships.
Local residents and those visiting the pubs, bars and clubs in Solihull Borough deserve a great night out. However, it is important for everyone’s safety that punters drink responsibly and that everyone enjoying a night out considers their own wellbeing and safety, as well as that of those around them.
The NHS advises that Men and women do not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. This is the same as 6 pints of average strength beer a week. Regularly drinking more than this can harm people’s health.
People can keep an eye on their drinking with the NHS One You Drinks Tracker App available at: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/drinking
Anyone concerned about their drinking can also find support locally through SIAS. Visit: www.sias-solihull.org.uk or call 0121 301 4141 for a confidential chat.
Rt. Hon. Dame Caroline Spelman MP