YOUNG people are being urged to think before they drink as part of the council’s annual Stay Safe campaign

Warrington Borough Council has launched the campaign to ensure teenagers and young people don’t feel pressured into drinking.

Working in partnership with Warrington’s Youth Service (YAS) and the Youth Advice Shop, the council’s Public Health Team has developed wallet reminder cards.

The cards contain Stay Safe messages on the front, with the YAS Christmas opening times on the back.

The team is also giving out spikey bottle stoppers, which fit inside the top of a bottle to reduce the possibility of drinks being spiked.

Cllr Pat Wright, executive board member for statutory health and adult social care, said: “The Stay Safe campaign is a great way to remind residents, particularly young people, to stay safe whilst enjoying themselves at Christmas time.

"We know that excessive alcohol can sometimes encourage risky behaviour and we hope the campaign will help to minimise this. We are also keen to make sure our young people, particularly those who are underage, do not feel pressured into drinking.

“By including the YAS opening times on the reverse of our wallet cards, we can be confident that young people will know where to go for contraception and advice over the Christmas period should they need it."