Free drinks in Mansfield pubs and clubs!

This weekend

(Feb 16) pubs and clubs in Mansfield will start to advertise the fact that free

drinks are available in their premises.

Part of a

project being run by Mansfield Partnership Against Crime (MPAC), members of

Mansfield Licensed Victuallers (MALV) group have agreed to display posters

reminding drinkers that glasses of tap water can be provided free of charge.

Having a

glass of water in between alcoholic drinks has been proven to slow and reduce

alcohol intake and also helps reduce hangovers which in part are the result of

alcohol-induced dehydration.

The town

centre project focuses on healthy relationships and has been organised to tie

in with Valentine's Day, but it is not chocolates and roses that will be handed

out by the range of officers involved on Saturday.

Instead they

will be distributing advice cards, lollipops and bottles of water with the aim

of keeping people safe, reducing violent crime and anti-social behaviour as

well as visibly demonstrating that organisations including the police, council

and pubs do work together to keep Mansfield safe.

As well as

the free drinks posters, the pubs and clubs are using Love is ... beer mats and

displaying posters with domestic advice support services details on them.

Premises are also supporting the work by including DVDs with safer drinking

messages in the playlists for their in-house video systems. 

Out on the

streets will be police, council officers, street pastors, licensing staff and

marshals. Mansfield District Council wardens are also taking part; they will be

issuing fixed penalty notices for littering and urinating in the street.

The healthy relationships cards have been designed to match the Love is

... beer mats and carry tips to remind people how to avoid putting themselves

at risk when dating. The advice includes not revealing too much personal

information about yourself on first dates and to be drink aware.

"While

you may choose a tipple to calm your nerves, too much alcohol can impair your

judgement. Don't drink excessively when meeting new people. It takes time to

build that trust with someone, plus you will, no doubt, want to remember the

date," is the advice given with regard to drinking.

 Commenting

on the work, Mansfield Police Inspector Neil Williams said: "This project

addresses a range of issues connected with the town centre and uses a number of

methods and organisations to do so. We are confident this will prove successful

in helping everyone have a great night out in Mansfield."