A night out at a pub or club is what we may be looking forward to all week. When we recall the bleak times of Covid-19 restrictions we forgot how a good night out can be a fantastic way to unwind, socialise, and have a great time. Ensuring your safety, however, should be a top priority to make sure the experience remains enjoyable. In this article, we'll explore seven essential tips to help keep you safe during your night out on the town.
As an ex-senior detective who has investigated many serious crimes linked to the nighttime economy, I would advise that you can really target harden yourself and your friends in advance before you go out. Much can be done in terms of planning ahead rather than 5 minutes before you head out or you are already at your venue.
Plan Your Night in Advance: Before heading out, it's crucial to plan your night. Inform a friend or family member about your plans, including where you'll be and when you expect to return. Make sure your phone is fully charged and maybe bring a power bank with you (some are pretty small these days), and consider setting a meeting point with your friends in case you get separated.
Travel Safely: When traveling to the pub or club, use reputable transportation methods. If you're using public transport, be aware of the schedule, particularly in semi rural areas after 10pm and ensure you have a safe way to get home. If you're taking a taxi, use licensed services or reputable ride-sharing apps. Check the Uber for good driver ratings and choose a woman driver if that makes you feel safer. Avoid accepting rides from strangers.
Stay Aware of your Surroundings. Once you arrive, be mindful of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings, and don't leave personal items unattended. Phones, bags and coats can easily go AWOL so stay aware of the people around you and trust your instincts. If something or someone doesn't feel right, trust your senses and remove yourself from the situation and seek help if needed.
Drink Responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair judgment and increase vulnerability so don't go mad on a pre-load of alcohol before you go into town. Pace yourself, alternate alcoholic drinks with water, and be aware of the alcohol content in your booze. Never leave your drink unattended, and if someone offers to buy you a drink, accompany them to the bar rather than accepting a pre-poured one.
Look out for Your Friends. Keep an eye on your friends and make sure everyone stays together. Establish a buddy-up system to ensure that no one is left alone, and have a plan for getting home safely. If someone in your group has had too much to drink, arrange for a safe way for them to get home or seek help from a staff member. Check out another blog from Eyes on Crime that discusses the signs of drink spiking.
Know the Emergency Exits: Familiarise yourself with the emergency exits in the venue. In the event of an emergency, knowing the quickest way out can be crucial. Take a moment to locate exits when you arrive, and remind your friends as well.
Be Wary of Strangers. Whilst socialising is a key part of a night out, exercise caution when interacting with strangers. Avoid sharing personal information, including phone data, with people you've just met, and be cautious about leaving the venue with someone you don't know well. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, don't hesitate to seek help from venue staff, security or the police.
Conclusion: A night out in pubs and clubs can be an exhilarating experience, but safety should always be a priority. By planning ahead, staying aware of your surroundings, and looking out for your friends, you can ensure a memorable and safe night on the town. Remember, it's always better to be proactive about your safety than to find yourself in a potentially risky situation much further down the line.
Ken Kirwan: Editor Eyes on Crime
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