Most plan to stay safe on night out

by John Harrington

Less than half of all late-night drinkers get drunk on a night out, and most take steps to ensure they get home safely.

That is the finding of a new survey of just over 2,000 18 to 35-year-olds, which suggests that British revellers have a more civilised and sensible attitude to drinking than is often portrayed.

The survey was carried out by Galaxy radio station, in association with the Bar Entertainment and Dance Association (BEDA), at nightspots in Birmingham, Manchester, Yorkshire and north east England. It found less than half got drunk on a night out, while two-thirds kept track of how many drinks they had consumed. It also showed that 68% of drinkers plan their journey home in advance, with nearly 80% using taxis and just 3.3% opting for public transport.

BEDA chief executive Jon Collins said: "This survey shows that the vast majority go out, have a great time, have taken sensible precautions and get home safely."

The findings also demonstrated the popularity of "pre-loading": drinking at home before a night out. Three-quarters drank at home while they were getting ready to go out, while 65% would buy more alcohol if there was a cheap drinks deal, such as buy-two-get-one-free, at the off-licence.

The survey points to a lack of recognition about police and council-led schemes to improve safety at night ­ two thirds were unaware of such initiatives. In addition, only 7% were aware of industry campaigns to encourage responsible drinking.

The survey also found that 46% of revellers plan their destination in advance. More than half spent between £20 and £40 on a night out. Just over one in four spent more than £40.