Maidenhead & Windsor

Show Windsor and Maidenhead binge drinking the red card – that’s the message from the Royal Borough’s drug and alcohol action team (DAAT) as it launches its latest safer summer drinking campaign on Wednesday June 25, to tie in with the first Euro 2008 semi-final.

Five thousand information packs (containing hints and tips for safer drinking and useful contact numbers, a condom* and a lollipop) will be distributed to local pubs and clubs in Windsor and Maidenhead where the rest of the football matches are being screened.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: “We picked Euro 2008 to launch this latest safer drinking campaign because we know this will be a time when people are drinking more. We want everyone to enjoy themselves and the packs should provide everything they need to stay safe and look after each other.

“The message is simple: enjoy the football, but don’t drink to excess and don’t be violent and get into fights when you are out.”

Di Wright, Windsor and Maidenhead drug and alcohol action team co-ordinator, said: “We ran a similar campaign for the 2006 World Cup which was received very positively by local pubs, clubs and revellers. We want people to have a good night, but to remember it for all the right reasons – so give binge drinking the red card!”

Acting Supt Jim Templer, commander of Windsor and Maidenhead local police area, said: “We welcome this latest initiative by the DAAT, which complements Thames Valley Police’s year-long ‘Know Your Limits’ campaign to reduce the harm caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. If we can persuade people to drink sensibly, it would prevent many crimes in which drunkenness is a contributing factor, particularly assaults and vandalism.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead