The national campaign to encourage responsible drinking for a safe night out, Operation Unite, hits the streets this Friday and Saturday night.

As the season for Christmas festivities gets underway, police across Australia and New Zealand will be conducting the sixth Operation Unite – a Blitz on Drunken Violence this weekend.

Tasmania Police will be increasing patrols in entertainment districts around the State to raise awareness of the consequences of drinking too much.

“It’s a great time of year to get together with friends and family, and enjoy a drink. But when people binge drink we know they are more likely to start a fight, or become a victim, and that’s not the way you want to spend Christmas,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“We’re asking people to take responsibility for their drinking behaviour.  So think about putting a sensible limit on how many drinks you’ll have, and stick to it.   

“Keep an eye on your friends if they tend to overindulge, be aware of the environment around you, and don’t let the fun get out of hand,” said Mr Hine.

Operation Unite is not about stopping people from having a good time, but about sending the message that risky drinking can have serious consequences.  

Although Public Place Assaults in Tasmania have continued to decrease (939 in 2011-12, compared to 984 in 2010-11), we know that many of these involve the excessive use of alcohol,  and occur in and around licensed premises.

“Excessive drinking is not just a problem for police and a drain on resources; poor decision making fuelled with alcohol can result in a life changing experience – for the worse.”