This weekend Tasmania Police will take Operation Unite – a Blitz on Drunken Violence – to the streets of entertainment districts around the State.

Operation Unite is a national initiative across police jurisdictions which aims to raise community awareness of the issues associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Tasmania Police will have a high visibility presence in entertainment areas of Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie over the weekend.

“The additional high visibility Police foot patrols will visit licensed premises, engage with people enjoying a night out and deter anti-social behaviour, violence and alcohol-related offences,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“Each weekend Police deal with the aftermath of people who are drunk; anti-social behaviour, violence and injuries can be the result,” said Mr Hine.

“This is not just an issue for Police, it affects other emergency services and health department resources, including demand on Emergency Departments.

“It is a message about taking personal responsibility for your drinking, with the understanding that risky drinking levels increase the risk of either becoming an offender or a victim,” said Mr Hine.

“We are asking people not to over indulge, and to look out for their friends if they’ve had too much; make sure they get home safely.

“What starts out as a fun night out with friends can become a situation that involves violence, resulting in a life-changing injury, when too much alcohol is involved.”