Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Alcohol Related Harm

'Think B4U Drink'

Launched in October 2005, 'Think B4U Drink' is multi-award winning, mixed media campaign designed to make people think about their drinking habits. The Campaign uses a mixture of hard-hitting posters illustrating the dangers of getting home safely and raising the issue of domestic violence alongside humorous posters, collectable beer mats and t-shirts themed around the Football World Cup 2006, traditional bar games and more recently, 'beer monsters'. Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Bells Stores across the whole Stockton displayed unique 'units' floor graphics in their alcoholic beverage isles and are also displaying 'Think B4U Drink' shelf wobblers on the shelves.

'Think B4U Drink' radio and cinema commercials were broadcast over the festive period last year to help listeners work out the time required for units to leave the body, and therefore when it is safe and legal to drive after drinking the night before. We have also had 2 TV adverts produced, which were broadcasted on ITV in June 2007.

'Think B4U Drink' was awarded the National Responsible Drink Retailers' Award in the Local Authority (Borough) category in November 2005, and the National Morning Advertiser Best Pub Award for the Tyne Tees region in the Pubwatch category in February 2006. It was also highly commended in this year's Association of Town Centre Managers Awards and was a finalist in the National Association of Public Service Excellence Awards in September 2006.

Cleveland Police, SBC Community Safety, Road Safety, and Trading Standards & Licensing departments, North Tees PCT, G.O.N.E., Camerons' Brewery, Stockton Cars, Royal Cars and Glebe cars have all generously contributed to the costs. The Campaign designs are available to buy, either as a complete package or individually to suit your area, and a DVD is available showcasing all of the materials thus far, including the Radio and TV adverts. If you would like a copy of this promotional DVD, or any further information about the Campaign please contact the Community Safety Team using the link on the right. Alternatively, click on the 'Think B4U Drink' box on the left to download and view relevant statistics, advice and information and some of the Campaign materials.

Underage Drinking

As part of the Think B4U Drink Campaign, an information leaflet and poster aimed at young people aged 13-17 years have been produced offering alcohol and personal safety advice. 2 versions of a poster, pink for girls and blue for boys, have been placed in bus shelters and youth centres across the Borough, and highlight some of the negative effects alcohol can have.

Drinking alcohol is often a major factor in young people acting anti-socially, littering and even committing crimes. In response to this, the Community Safety Team launched a poster campaign in all off-licences accross the Borough to remind the public that buying alcohol on behalf of underage people is illegal and you could be fined up to £5,000.

If you have concerns about young people drinking alcohol in your area, or if you believe a shop is selling alcohol to underage people, please contact the Community Safety Team or Trading Standards using the contact details to the right, or complete and submit an online form by clicking on the link below.