Drink safe and don't take risks, Rotorua police say

Don't wake up tomorrow cringing at the risks you took the night before.

That's the message from Rotorua police for locals who are heading out for a festive season drink this weekend before the holidays.

Senior Sergeant Denis Murphy of the Rotorua police said police had some "keep safe" advice for people going out on the town over Christmas and New Year.

"This advice is not about telling you to stop drinking but about how to avoid becoming a victim when you do drink."

Murphy said alcohol frequently caused people to lose all common sense when it came to their own safety.

"How often have you woken up the morning after you've been drinking and cringed at the risks you took the previous night? And you don't have to be really drunk for alcohol to affect your judgement. Even a few drinks can make you take risks you would not otherwise have taken."

Murphy said those who had drunk alcohol often lost their ability to gauge the safety of a situation and were not able to take the right action.

"Staying on top of your drinking will help you to control risky or difficult situations."

Murphy said there would be extra teams of police working to catch drink drivers and stop people making silly decisions as a result of alcohol.

He said it was pleasing that 150 vehicles were stopped last weekend and no one was over the legal alcohol breath limit

However, a noticeable trend with young people was finding them in vehicles parked around the central business district pre-loading with alcohol before going into bars.

He said on Saturday night police issued 12 infringement notices for being in possession of alcohol in a liquor ban area. The fine is $250.

He said the best way to have a great time and to keep safe was to plan ahead.

Top tips to stay safe
* Eat before you go out, or earlier in the evening, to reduce the effects of alcohol.
* Drinking in rounds often means you drink more. Skip some rounds or opt for a soft drink instead.
* Pace yourself. Slow down and take smaller sips.
* Don't mix alcohol with drugs – it can be deadly.
* Decide how much you want to drink in an evening –and stick with it
* Before going out know how you are getting home and make arrangements in advance such as booking a taxi/lift.
* Know where you are going and if possible make sure someone else knows where you are going too.
* Make sure your mobile is charged and has credit. Do you have a taxi number stored in your phone?
* Keep enough cash for your journey home and keep your keys separate from your bag.