A man at the helm of Newcastle nightlife has issued guidelines to help revellers stay safe this Christmas.
Thousands are expected to celebrate the festive season in the bars and restaurants of Jesmond’s popular Osborne Road.
And Matt Stephenson, chairman of Jesmond Pubwatch, is urging drinkers to take a series of simple steps to make sure they have a night out to remember – for all the right reasons.
Safety is top of the list and Matt, who is also manager of Osbornes, Osborne Road – owned by Newcastle-based Malhotra Group plc – said measures have been put in place to help anyone who feels vulnerable, scared or isolated on a night out.
On Friday 23 December – Black Eye Friday, which is one of the most notorious nights out for partygoers – street pastors will be patrolling Jesmond, to offer help where needed.
“If a woman is on a date, that isn’t working out, for example; her friends haven’t turned up or she feels unwell or unsafe, for any reason, then all she has to do is approach them or any of our bar staff,” said Matt.
“They will then know she needs some help getting out of the situation and will discreetly call a taxi or get her the help she needs without any fuss.”
Pubs and bars in the area will also be providing spikeys – gadgets to put in the necks of bottles to prevent drinks being spiked – and staff are trained not to serve anyone they feel may have overindulged.
“It’s also really sensible to make sure you never leave your drink unattended,” said Matt, “and to ensure that you’ve sorted out your taxi home before you’ve even left the house.
“It can be difficult – and expensive – to get a taxi late at night over the Christmas period, so planning ahead really is worthwhile.”
For further information about Jesmond Pubwatch call 0191 240 7778 or visit www.osbornesjesmond.co.uk.