Nottinghamshire Police

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Alcohol

• As well as being bad for your health, drinking a lot of alcohol can make you an easy target for criminals and more vulnerable to getting into violent situations you would normally avoid. The less you drink the safer you are
• Remember, it is illegal to buy alcohol if you are under 18
• If you are drinking at a pub, club, bar or party, don’t leave your drink unattended. Some people spike drinks with drugs or alcohol in order to commit a robbery or sexual assault against an unsuspecting victim
• Don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know or have only just met, or if you do, insist that bar staff serve the drink to you instead
• If you start to feel ill after only a few drinks, one of them may have been spiked. Typical symptoms include high temperature, dizziness, nausea and fainting
• If you think your drink has been spiked, seek help from a trusted friend. If you can’t find a friend, alert bar or door staff. Also report the incident to the police – there’s every chance the offender may try it on someone else
• Never drink and drive. If you are going out with friends, designate a non-drinking driver or, alternatively, use public transport
• Be responsible and set a good example to your children, friends and family in how you use alcohol
• If you are going out for a drink let your family or a friend know where you’ll be and what time you’ll be home
• Be mindful of the effects that drinking alcohol to excess can have on other people. It can make them careless or aggressive, so try to steer clear of confrontation