"We Serve Drinks Not Drunks"

9 July 2010, 06:00

If you're out enjoying Newbury's pubs and bars this weekend, you might notice all the staff have started wearing the same uniform.

"We serve drinks not drunks" is the message emblazoned across the red T-shirts Newbury bar tenders are wearing from today. It's part of a new initiative to tackle alcohol related disorder.

Funded through the multi-agency campaign Operation Drinksafe, the aim is to give people a clear message that they won't get served if they're drunk.

Today's official launch take's place at the Party in the Paddock with Simply Red event at Newbury Racecourse. Bar staff there will all be wearing the T-shirts, together with their colleagues in the town centre bars.

PC Pete Sutherland (pictured) from the Newbury Town Centre neighbourhood policing team, said:

“The idea is that the racecourse and all the bars in the town will be giving out the same consistent message that drunks will not be served.

“We want to reduce the number of incidents of disorder and anti social behaviour linked to people getting drunk. We want people to enjoy themselves, but to behave responsibly.”

Anthony Stansfeld, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Community Safety added,

“The initiative encourages bar staff to consider the consequences of selling alcohol to those that have already had enough to drink and we are really pleased with the commitment that local drinking establishments and the racecourse have shown to the scheme.”

Stephen Higgins, Joint Managing Director, Newbury Racecourse said:

“Responsible drinking is something we take seriously here at the racecourse and we ensure we work closely with the police and community on this matter.

“We whole heartedly offer our support to this campaign and with the launch coinciding with our second Party in the Paddock event on Friday 9 July, we will be urging concert and racegoers to enjoying the evening’s entertainment whilst drinking responsibly”.