“Know the Score” Wales

South Wales Police alongside other UK police forces have been part of the international operation to support the Euro 2016 tournament. This will be the first time since 1958 that Wales have qualified for a major football championship and therefore it’s important that fans are aware of the potential consequences linked to excessive alcohol consumption while abroad.

The highly-successful Know the Score initiative was launched by South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael and Chief Constable Peter Vaughan in 2015 – with the support of the Welsh Rugby Union and the licensed trade in Cardiff and Swansea – and highlights the consequences of excessive drinking.

The campaign’s simple message: – Know the score – Drink less, enjoy more – is equally powerful for the fans who are supporting Gareth Bale and the Welsh Team in Euro 2016.

Since the start of the campaign an independent review has shown that it has already had a significant impact on changing the behaviour of those who decide to drink within the night-time economy of South Wales.

An evaluation carried out by the Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University found that:

• The proportion of participants who correctly reported that it is illegal for a bar server to sell alcohol to someone who is drunk increased significantly (from 48.0% to 62.4%);
• The proportion of participants who correctly reported that it is illegal to purchase alcohol for a drunk friend increased significantly (from 50.2% to 63.4%);
• The proportion of participants agreeing that getting drunk was socially accepted in the city’s nightlife reduced significantly (from 86.6% to 75.0%);

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Alun Michael said:

“For Wales, Euro 2016 is a celebration of achieving something great. We want people to have a fantastic time whether they are watching the matches at home or have been lucky enough to travel to France to watch the matches live out there.

“The campaign isn’t meant to stop people enjoying themselves – it’s the opposite. When people consume too much alcohol which they can’t handle, they can get hurt, hurt others or commit serious offences. In the worst instances the experience can be life-changing in a very bad way.

“We want people to go out, enjoy themselves but drink responsibly and play their part in reducing levels of alcohol-related crime and disorder.”

South Wales Police Superintendent Steve Furnham said:

“South Wales Police is a contributing partner to the Euro 2016 policing operation. During the tournament we will have officers both at home and away making sure that everyone’s safety is observed.

“Alcohol related violence is something that we will not tolerate during the tournament, it takes up essential police resources and it can have huge consequences for a person’s right to remain and enjoy the matches. If people drink less, they will enjoy more.”

South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis said:

“The Know the Score campaign has been supported and delivered by officers, PCSO’s and our partners. By challenging behaviour and educating the public we want to make people realise that drinking responsibly has a dramatic effect on reducing alcohol related violence.

“The law is clear around alcohol, it is illegal to serve or get a drink for someone who is drunk. Remember licensed premises cannot admit or serve you if you are drunk. Don’t ruin your Euro 2016 experience, drink less and enjoy more.”

The campaign is part of the Commissioner’s wider programme of activity aimed at reducing and preventing violent crime.
The campaign also supports bar staff and licensed premises to be confident in refusing to break the law by serving people who are clearly drunk. Many people are currently unaware that it is illegal to buy alcohol for a friend who is drunk, and that they could be fined up to £1,000.