Out of control house parties are a fatality waiting to happen

Hiring bouncers for the doors, smoke machines and pushing sofas and mattresses against the doors;

These are just some of the lengths Newcastle's young people are going to for a memorable house party.

In some cases, hundreds of revellers have turned up to parties advertised through social media. Floors in houses are not designed to withstand the weight of scores of people and large amounts of alcohol, drugs and sound equipment have been confiscated at Newcastle parties and doormen and DJ’s employed have even been employed.

Now the Council are working with the fire and ambulance services, among others, to highlight the dangers of out of control parties to students and young people in the city.

The Safer Partying film, funded by Public Health, is complete with student actors, and replicates a house party situation and features six different endings highlighting

-A fire breaking out with doors and windows blocked -The consequences of excessive drinking -A fatality -A case of no consent -A sexual assault -A drugs arrest

Cllr Nick Kemp, the council’s Cabinet Member for Regulation, said:

“*We all know that students like to have a good time and party but we are increasingly concerned about the nature of some parties. “They are being held in terraced houses and attracting hundreds of students through social media. Add to that large amounts of alcohol, drugs and doorways blocked with settees, mattresses and furniture and we have potentially a very dangerous situation.

“These videos are designed to show the consequences of what can go wrong. We want students to watch them and think twice about their behaviour so they don’t put themselves and others at risk.”*

Assistant Chief Officer Alan Robson, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue, said:

“Disconnecting smoke alarms and blocking escape routes could have disastrous consequences in the event of a fire. It would be devastating if any young people in our community lost their lives or were seriously injured at one of these parties.”

Northumbria Police’s Chief Supt Neil Hutchison, of Central Area Commander, said: “*We are really proud to be a part of this video and hope it helps to educate anyone thinking of hosting a house party in our city.

“This year we have a seen a rise in the number of call outs to these types of student parties and it was time for the local authority, universities and blue light services to come together to try and do something about it.

“We don’t want to be seen as the fun police but students need to recognise that lives are being put at risk. Alcohol, drugs, loud music and hundreds of party goers is a recipe for disaster.

“It can only be a matter of time before we are talking about a tragedy and this video is about educating people in how to enjoy parties in a safe and responsible manner while showing respect to the local communities in which they live.”*

Vicky Court, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for North East Ambulance Service said: “*Sadly we know all too well the consequences of taking drugs or having too much to drink, and the vulnerable position that can put someone in, we deal with the fall out every day.

“We don’t want to stop anyone from having a good time but your night shouldn’t end in an ambulance.

“We hope this campaign will make students stop and think – this could happen to you and it’s not worth the risk.”*