Go easy on the pints this Saint Patrick’s Day
Posted by editor (editor) on Mar 18 2010
2010 >>

Some Australians may celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with more than just a pint of Guinness but this year we’re all being asked to drink sensibly.

Minister responsible for liquor licensing Peter Lawlor appealed to revellers to not take risks by drinking too much.

“Not everybody has the luck of the Irish,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Consuming alcohol in a dangerous fashion can significantly increase your risk of accident or injury so please drink sensibly.”

Mr Lawlor also stressed the importance of watching out for friends throughout the day.

“The effects of too much alcohol are not limited to just a hangover. All too often we see the tragic consequences of unsafe drinking including traffic accidents, increased violence and injuries,” he said.

“Nobody wants to see their friends hurt or in trouble, so keep an eye out for them and make sure they don’t get too intoxicated.”

Tips for taking care of yourself and your mates include:

• If you’re going out for a night on the town, either take public transport or make sure there’s a designated driver to get everybody home safely.
• Don’t top up friends’ drinks.
• If you’re at a pub or hotel, keep an eye on your friends’ drinks and watch for drink spiking.
• Avoid drinking in rounds or shouts.
• If a friend is becoming intoxicated, encourage them to have water or other non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a bite to eat.

Last changed: Mar 18 2010 at 1:51 PM