PCCs: 'This Christmas will feel that bit more special. Don’t over-indulge on the alcohol and ruin it.'
After Covid curtailed many celebrations last year, elected Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales are urging people to show restraint and drink safely this Christmas.
The APCC’s Addictions and Substance Misuse Leads PCC David Sidwick and PCC Joy Allen said: “Whether at home, or partying with friends, or out enjoying our vibrant Christmas markets, bars, and clubs, we want everyone to enjoy the festive season safely.
“For many, Christmas this year will feel that bit more special. Don’t over-indulge on the alcohol and ruin it. There are plenty of alcohol-free alternatives available.”
Roads Safety Lead PCC Alison Hernandez said: “More than 1,500 people were killed on the UK’s roads last year. If you are going out this Christmas and you’re going to be drinking then please plan ahead. Take public transport, or book a taxi home, or arrange somewhere to stay.
“Many police forces’ Roads Policing Teams will be upping their enforcement activity this month. They will be stopping and testing people they suspect of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, as they do every Christmas. But it shouldn’t be the fear of being stopped and losing your licence that makes you think twice about getting behind the wheel after a drink – it should be the fear of losing your life or harming someone else's.”
The APCC’s Victims Leads PCC Donna Jones and London’s Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden added: “Christmas can place a lot of pressure on families - especially financially. That seasonal stress, when alcohol is added into the mix, can boil over into incidents of domestic abuse. We need to prevent that from happening.
“Men need to think about their behaviour and, if they need to, seek help from one of the many perpetrator programmes PCCs fund.
“And we want victims to know that the vital services we fund for them, wherever they are, will still be operating throughout the Christmas and the New Year holidays too. If you need support, please don’t hesitate to ask for it. Charities like Victim Support are on hand to help. You are not alone.”
PCCs are also supporting the Home Office-CrimeStoppers’ ShopKind campaign, calling on shoppers to treat keyworkers and fellow customers with respect, kindness, and gratitude.
Business Crime Lead PCC Katy Bourne said: "This is especially important with rules on mask wearing in shops and on public transport having been strengthened to help tackle the Covid-19 Omicron variant."
APCC Chair Marc Jones said: “We should also remember and thank all those in policing and across the emergency services who will be working to protect us over the Christmas and New Year period. By showing a bit of kindness towards each other we can all stay safe and do our bit to limit the seasonal pressure on our critical services.”