Accessibility Statement
Website designed & developed by Plaster
Bristol is preparing to welcome thousands of new and returning students to the city as Freshers season gets underway, marking the start of a new academic year. To make sure people have a fun, safe and drama-free night out, Bristol Rules returns, offering advice and support to make sure people have the best experience possible.
Launched as part of Freshers' Week, Bristol Rules encourages everyone to enjoy the city’s nightlife while looking after themselves and those around them.
The campaign addresses key safety issues including alcohol and drug harm reduction, waterside safety and tackling harassment, while celebrating Bristol's welcoming, diverse and inclusive night time culture.
‘Out Together, Home Together’ reminds people to watch out for their friends, help them get home safely and support them if they need it during the night.
‘Take It Easy’ encourages harm reduction and reminds people that it's ok to say no to another drink and that the best nights are ones you can remember.
As a harbour city, ‘Stay Away From The Edge’ highlights the very real dangers of Bristol's harbourside at night. Falling into the water can lead to cold water shock, disorientation and difficulty getting out, particularly in the dark and when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The campaign urges people not to get close to the water's edge, to stay with friends at all times, and to look out for anyone who may be vulnerable. Tragically, people have lost their lives after falling into the harbour while intoxicated.
The campaign reminds everyone that any type of harassment is not OK and will be met with a zero tolerance. ‘Respect Everyone’, ‘Don’t Be A Creep’ and ‘Call it Out’ relate to addressing harassment in all forms and empowering bystanders and friends to help stop verbal and physical abuse.
Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee, said:
“Bristol’s diverse and vibrant nightlife is one of the many reasons why students choose to move to our city. The rules are not about the council acting as the fun police and telling people what to do. It's the opposite, we want everyone to enjoy everything that Bristol has to offer and to feel that they belong here. With thousands of new students arriving in the city this September, it's an important moment to introduce them to Bristol, not just where to go, but what we stand for.
“The rules are here to help everyone enjoy Bristol's nightlife. They address five safety priorities, presented as six simple guidelines for having a great night out. They are deliberately simple and 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.”
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.
Together with posters, social media and advertising across the city, this year's relaunch brings the campaign to life through a series of short films featuring well-known Bristol personalities, creators and community voices.
The first film sees the voice of Bristol's buses, Fran Edwards, deliver a reminder to get home safely with friends. Other contributors include Natalie Brereton, Cynthia Road, Ella Morgan, Bristol Starter Packs and SUP Bristol, each championing one of the Bristol Rules in their own distinctive style.
Under the Bristol Nights brand, the council is working with Bristol BID, the University of Bristol, UWE Bristol and venues across the city offering advice and support to make sure people have the best experience possible.
The campaign will be visible across the city throughout the autumn, beginning as students arrive for the new academic year and continuing through to the busy Halloween weekend.
Bristol Nights is at the heart of supporting Bristol’s night time economy and all the businesses who operate and people who work between 6pm and 6am.
The six key messages include:
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 toit.
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.
