NOW is the season to be jolly, tra la la la laaa yes, we've heard it all before.

Christmas and New Year seem to be increasingly used as an excuse for people to drink themselves stupid, shout in the streets and generally make nuisances of themselves.

At this time of year, a friend of mine always starts moaning about amateur drinkers who can't take their ale cluttering up the pubs and clubs.

He reckons a credit based system should be introduced whereby you get served depending on your previous attendance in your local hostelry! A fair point perhaps but there is a serious side to concerns over Christmas excess which doesn't stop at whether you have to wait 20 minutes more to get your drinks.

Police have warned revellers to beware of the dangers of accepting drinks from strangers or casual acquaintances.

It is a sad indictment of our so-called modern, liberated age that we should be warning people to check their drinks haven't been spiked.

But with the party season now in full swing and the promise of more to come over the next two weeks, it is just plain common sense that we should take extra care.

It is all too easy to drink and dance away your inhibitions and neglect personal safety.

So, let's all take care this Christmas, have a drink, have a laugh but be careful. And if you see me at the bar, let me through, I'm a regular.

RICHARD SIMCOX

December 20, 2001 15:30