Accessibility Statement
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Bristol’s diverse and vibrant nightlife is one of the many reasons why students choose to move to our city.
Freshers season marks the start of a new academic year, in what promises to be a flurry of activity in our pubs, clubs and bars as people go out to explore, socialise and enjoy what Bristol has to offer after dark.
To make sure people have a fun, safe and drama-free night out, the council is working with universities, Bristol City Centre BID and venues across the city offering advice and support to make sure people have the best experience possible, by being aware of the risks of going out at night.
Through our Bristol Nights campaigns we aim to set clear expectations, by reminding people to take it easy, take care of themselves and the people they are with, and keep an eye out for others to make sure everyone is having a good time.
Posters and lamppost wraps will be placed across the city hotspots, student accommodation and educational institutions, and in venues across the city centre. Key information will also be shared with students in a pocket-sized guide distributed across the welcome week fresher events.
Bristol Rules is an award-winning night time safety awareness campaign which aims to remind everyone heading out for the evening of how to have a great night out and feel safe.
Designed in partnership with the city’s universities, colleges and venues, we encourage students to follow the six key messages, which offer insights into drugs and alcohol harm reduction, women’s safety, looking out for your friends, river safety and stopping harassment.
1. Out together, home together. Check in with your friends. If they look like they’re struggling, it’s time to act. Make sure you all get home safe, share your location and look after one another.
2. Call it out. Inappropriate behaviour, especially when it comes from your mates, needs to be called out. Be an active bystander; make sure your friends know what they’re doing isn’t OK.
3. Don’t be a creep. Put yourself in their shoes. They don't want you to tell them they're fit. If someone tells you they're not interested, they're not playing hard to get. And remember everyone's allowed to change their mind. If your words or actions are making someone feel uncomfortable or threatened – it's not ok. Touching, grabbing or groping someone without their consent is a criminal offence.
4. Respect differences. Our differences are what makes Bristol such a brilliant place. So regardless of how someone dresses, how they speak, what they look like, who they date or how they dance, leave them to it.
5. Keep away from the edge. Don't be tempted to sit by the harbourside at night. Be extra careful near the water and keep away from the edge. Cold water shock and getting out are even harder when you are intoxicated.
6. Take it easy. Understanding the effects and risks of alcohol and other drugs is important. Read up; pace yourself; and remember it's OK to say no. The best nights are the ones you can remember.
Over 240 venues across Bristol have signed up to support the city wide partnership against drink spiking, alongside Avon and Somerset Police, Bristol City Centre BID, Bristol Nights and Bristol City Council.
Drink spiking is an issue Bristol has led the way on, with our city-wide Stop Spiking campaign in October 2021, this scheme has since been cited as a case study from UK Universities and the Local Government Association.
Mentioned in the King’s speech in July, the latest Government guidance on spiking states spiking is a crime. You have the right not to be spiked. You shouldn’t have to moderate your behaviour, avoid bars or clubs or cover your drink at all times.
As an industry we are dedicated to taking a stand against drink spiking, enhancing safety procedures across the city and working together with the police to catch those intent on tampering with drinks.
Speak out: If you suspect someone’s drink has been spiked, tell the venue team so they can take action. You will always be believed.
Bristol venues have testing kits on-site so they can quickly test the drink, and put your mind at ease, and work in collaboration with Avon and Somerset police to catch perpetrators.
As some drugs leave the body in as little as 12 hours, it’s important that a person who has been spiked gets tested as soon as possible. The police have testing kits and can help support victims of spiking.
What to look out for: Symptoms of drink spiking can include confusion, nausea or vomiting, hallucinations, disorientation, an inability to communicate clearly, paranoia, poor co-ordination and unconsciousness.
How you can help: Stay with them somewhere calm and give reassurance if they are distressed. If they are having a seizure call 999. Keep the area safe and move anything that could hurt them. If you are on a dancefloor, stop the music, turn up the lights and clear a space.
Bristol’s collaborative approach demonstrates the strength of our nightlife communities, empowering our after-dark workforce with the tools and training to tackle this abhorrent crime.
Bristol became the UK’s first Harm Reduction city in November 2022, and the Bristol Nights harm reduction campaign is designed to promote safety in the sector.
In partnership with local agencies and charities, we have moved away from a zero-tolerance approach and set out a plan to introduce a safety-first approach towards drug and alcohol use in Bristol.
Harm reduction is a non-judgemental approach to minimise the negative consequences caused by alcohol and other substances.
This approach is one that encourages people to recognise the risks of drug and alcohol use and aims to equip everyone involved in the night-time economy with the information and tools required to promote safe environments.
Know your highs, avoid the lows: Mixing different drugs (including alcohol and medicines) can have unpredictable effects.
Take it easy: Understanding the effects and risks of alcohol and other drugs is important. Read up; pace yourself; and remember it's OK to say no. The best nights are the ones you can remember.
What to do in a drugs emergency: All of Bristol’s venues want to help you in the case of emergency. Don’t be frightened to speak to staff. It is not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system (unless you are driving), so please do not let that stop you speaking to staff if you or a friend is feeling unwell – your safety is our priority.
Symptoms to be aware of include seizures and overheating, unconsciousness, chest pain or a rapid heart rate, vomiting and abnormal or raspy breathing.
A drug-related emergency might affect someone’s physical health or mental health. Both should be taken seriously. You may need to do different things to help someone depending on their appearance or behaviour, for example:
Overdoses of depressant drugs often involve breathing difficulties.
Overdoses of stimulant drugs can involve heart attacks or seizures (fits).
Would you know what to do in a drug related emergency?
Drugs and alcohol effecting your mental health? Find out what support is available.
The Loop's regular drug checking service, the first in the UK, takes place on the last Saturday of the month in Bristol.
Bristol Nights partner The Drop, at Bristol Drugs Project(BDP), have lots of activity planned around fresher season, to provide information and support for people who use recreational and party drugs.
For dedicated advice and information you can contact The Drop in lots of ways to suit you, and their social channels are packed with helpful information about alcohol and other substances.
Our aim is for everyone to be able to enjoy a good night out– meeting friends, having fun, and enjoying what Bristol has to offer at night whether that’s a quiet drink, a sober social or dancing till the sun comes up.
We encourage people to recognise the risks and our aim to equip everyone involved in the night time economy with the information and tools required to promote safe environments.
Bristol Nights is a city-wide nightlife community. We work with venues and partners across our great city to support the night time sector all year round, so that our night spaces can continue to vibe and thrive.
