Students who completed their Leaving Certificate this year will be receiving their results tomorrow morning. Alcohol Action Ireland are urging students to celebrate responsibly and to drink in moderation.
“We know that, for a significant number of young people, their plans to celebrate this week will include alcohol,” said Conor Cullen, Head of Advocacy and Communications with Alcohol Action Ireland.
Cullen also urges young people to be wary of promotions for cheap alcohol in bars and clubs, especially if they have been ‘pre-drinking’ before going out.
Alcohol Action Ireland have also called on alcohol retailers, including pubs, clubs, and off-licenses – to be particularly vigilant in ensuring that the customer buying alcohol is over eighteen.
“Students deserve to go out, celebrate getting their results with their friends and we hope they enjoy marking this milestone in their young lives,” concluded Cullen.
Celebrating tomorrow? Here’s a few tips
- Try to plan out your evening in advance as much as you can, especially if you are doing things you haven’t done before or are going to places that you haven’t been before.
- Be patient with your parents if they seem to be fussing and worrying about your plans. They do this because they love you. Keeping them informed of your plans will help them to worry less.
- Remember that alcohol doesn’t have to be part of your evening if you don’t want it to be. You haven’t lost the ability to have fun sober and you can have a great night without alcohol if you chose to.
- Respect your friends’ decisions not to drink or to limit their alcohol intake. Don’t put people under pressure regarding alcohol and don’t let other people put you under pressure either.
- If you do decide to drink, don’t over-do it and push past a point you are comfortable with. If you push past that point or start drinking stronger alcohol products you’re far more likely to forget what should be a memorable night and/or do something that you will regret, as well as putting your health and safety at risk. Be especially careful with measures of spirits.
