ALCOHOL-FREE cocktails were served as agencies discussed ways to reduce harm caused by booze.

Representatives from a multitude of different agencies met as the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for Dorset was launched at a conference.

It took place at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and was attended by about 90 people including drug and alcohol workers, police officers, probation staff, and licensees.

Health Programme Advisor for NHS Dorset Emma Wilson who wrote the strategy said an action plan had developed identifying three aims – prevention, intervention and treatment, and enforcement.

This could lead to a public awareness campaign for parents and young people, ‘signposting’ for dependent drinkers at hospital in a bid to reduce accident and emergency admissions, extra visits to pubs and clubs and test purchasing at off licences.

“A lot of the work to reduce the harm caused by alcohol is already going on but the strategy aims to bring all this work together so there’s a co-ordinated approach,” said Mrs Wilson.

She added: “As well as launching the strategy the conference was an opportunity for the partners to network and share ideas.

“The partners are keen to make people aware of low risk drinking and staying within the amounts recommended by the government.

“If you want to go out and have a good time it’s important you stay safe and avoid getting into trouble.”

She invited staff from Boho bar in Weymouth to the conference to mix and serve alcohol-free cocktails to guests.

The ‘mocktails’ were made specially for the event including a cocktail to promote NHS Dorset’s Know Your Colour campaign which highlights risks to drinkers.

“They were lovely drinks and it showed you don’t need alcohol to have a good time,” said Mrs Wilson.

The conference was also addressed by the Director of Public Health for NHS Dorset Dr David Philips, who outlined a need for a strategy.

Many of the partners involved also exhibited their work and demonstrated how it contributed to the overall strategy.