Watercoolers help in the fight against heavy drinking
Self-service watercoolers are being installed in pubs and clubs across Devon in an effort to get partygoers to drink more water while they are on a night out.
Research has shown that making water freely available can help reduce the problems caused by heavy drinking including anti social behaviour, violent crime and domestic abuse.
The initiative called Project H2O is being supported by local councils and Community Safety Partnerships across Devon and Devon & Cornwall Police.
It is based on a pilot scheme in Gloucester which resulted in a significant drop in public disorder incidents at a nightclub in the city following the installation of a water dispenser.
One of the local authorities taking part in Project H2O is West Devon Borough Council which has been working with Jack Cham’s Lounge Bar in Tavistock – the first licensed premises in the area to join the initiative.
Landlord, Glen Duff, said: “I’m a great advocate of controlled drinking and this may have some benefit in helping with crime and disorder which doesn’t happen a lot in Tavistock but anything that reduces the risk is of benefit to me and the local community.”
“During a recent rugby match, being screened at my bar, some of my regulars were having a cup of water alongside their pint of beer, which I have never seen before.”
“It’s early days but I will be very interested to see how this project progresses.”
Easy access to a water dispenser can encourage customers to drink more water, diluting their alcoholic drinks and slowing down or reducing their levels of intoxication. It also helps reduce dehydration and combat the body overheating.
Chairman of the Safer Devon Partnership, Devon County Councillor Roger Croad, said: “Alcohol and its impact on anti social behaviour can be a major problem for our town centres, particularly at this time of year. We are pleased to be able to provide these water coolers to help make our town centres safer.”
Grant funding of £11,500 from Safer Devon Partnership, Devon & Cornwall Police and NHS Devon Drug and Devon DAAT (Drug and Alcohol Action Team) will pay for water dispensers to be installed at 47 selected licensed venues across Devon for one year.
Devon-based water supply company, Thirsty Works, is providing the water dispensers, having sponsored an initial pilot project in Exeter.
Sergeant Richard Crosby, who manages licensing officers across Devon, said: “This joint project is the first of its kind in Devon and already it’s proving effective in raising awareness of the value of keeping oneself hydrated when drinking alcohol. The project is having a positive effect on helping reduce the impact of late night anti social behaviour.”
Since 2010, all pubs and clubs have been required by law to provide free tap water to customers. However, evidence suggests having water dispensers available, in addition, is more effective because people can help themselves on impulse without the need to queue at the bar where they may be tempted to have another alcoholic drink instead.
Cllr Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “This is an excellent initiative, which we are pleased to be supporting as part of our preparations for taking on the responsibility for the health of people in Devon from next April.”
“The benefits of drinking water alongside alcoholic drinks impact on both the body and the bank account. Drinking water helps keep the body and brain hydrated, and obviously means the number, and effect of alcoholic drinks, is reduced.”
“Another benefit that people often don’t think about, are the reduced number of calories consumed when alcoholic drinks are alternated with water. And of course, with everyone feeling the pinch, especially at this time of year, it makes sense to take advantage of free drinks on offer.”
It is hoped that if the project is successful it can be extended, if sufficient funding can be found.
