Milton Keynes Council is reminding festive party-goers of sensible advice to stay safe this Christmas and New Year.
Government has already announced changes that took effect from Wednesday 15 December, including needing proof of vaccination to enter certain venues, or proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test within the last 48 hours (ideally 12 hours).
However, the Council is also reminding people to protect themselves and their friends by looking out for each other, staying with or staying in touch with their group, keeping an eye on drinks to avoid any attempts at drink spiking, and thinking about how they’ll get home in advance.
MK Council’s local partners at Thames Valley Police have been working with some of MK’s bars and clubs to introduce Stop Topps, a device which customers can ask for over the bar to cover their drink to prevent spiking. These are now available at Slug & Lettuce, Pop World and Revolution in Central MK.
Anyone who feels unsafe or vulnerable at a venue can discreetly approach bar staff and Ask for Angela, which is a national code-phrase that indicates a person needs help. A trained member of staff will be able to assist, such as by ordering and seeing them to a taxi or calling security. Most of MK’s larger bars and clubs have already been trained on the initiative. If you need emergency help always call 999.
The MK Safe Hub, which is jointly funded by the Community Safety Partnership and the MyMiltonKeynes BID and staffed by Thames Valley Police and St Johns Ambulance, will be parking in high-footfall city centre locations on the busiest nights of the festive season to provide extra help and protection
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