Safer Socialising this Christmas and New Year

Christmas is typically a busy time of year, with numerous festive dinners, drinks and meet-ups planned in the lead-up to the big day and into New Year.

As we move swiftly into the festive season with its darker nights, it’s important to stay vigilant around your personal safety. We outline some simple tips you can follow to keep yourself safer over Christmas.

Plan and prepare

Before you leave the house, consider what you might need in the way of money/cards and phone chargers, and the time you are planning to be home. It is sensible to notify someone of your planned journeys, who you are meeting and how you are going to get home. The safety app WalkSafe is a good way to share your journey information with trusted contacts.

Be aware of the time of the last bus/train, as these may change over the holiday period. It may be beneficial to book a cab in advance, as some providers charge higher rates at busy times.

Have a buddy system

Go out with a friend or group of friends, and make sure you keep an eye on each other throughout the night. As it is likely to already be dark when you set out, consider travelling there and back together where possible, or ‘checking in’ when you each arrive home safely. If you go home with another person, ensure your friends know who you're with and where you're going.

Stay aware of your surroundings

When travelling and at your destination, stay aware of what is happening around you. Keep an eye on the people around you, and if you have any concerns speak to venue staff. Be aware of any potential dangers, making a mental note of fire exits and any hazards present in the area. While travelling or walking alone, listening to music via headphones can reduce your awareness of the space around you.

Know your limits

Drinking too much too quickly can lead to dangerous situations. It is advisable to eat before drinking to slow down absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, and drink plenty of water. Remember, drugs and alcohol can severely impair decision making. If you feel that you are affected by your drink more than you should be, alert a friend and venue staff. Read our spiking guide for further information on what to do if you think you are a victim of spiking.

Check in with venue staff

If you start to feel unwell seek assistance from venue staff. If you feel vulnerable, you can ‘Ask for Angela‘. This is a signal to staff that you require support and may need to leave the venue discretely. Staff should be able to call you a taxi, ambulance or the police, as necessary.

Getting home

Make sure you have a plan for how you'll get home before you go out. Consider taking a reputable taxi or minicab but be sure to book via phone, app or at a cab office, or ask the venue to help you. Never accept a lift from a stranger and remember that only a licensed taxi can be stopped/flagged down in the street.

Choose your venues wisely

Licensing SAVI works with venues to improve and maintain safety and security standards via self-assessment of policies and procedures. In doing so, venues can receive a star-rated accreditation to display to staff, customers and the local community to show their commitment to keeping everyone safe. In visiting a Licensing SAVI accredited venue, you can be sure that the staff have done all they can to ensure you have a safer experience.

Look for Licensing SAVI accredited venues using the Find a Venue map or via the WalkSafe app, which indicate venues that have done all they can to ensure you have a safer night this festive season.