Night Out Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe on a Night Out in Dundee
Having a great night out in Dundee means getting home safely. Whether you're hitting Balcony Bar for karaoke or exploring the Seagate's nightlife, these safety tips will help you have fun responsibly.
Before You Go Out
Plan Your Night
Essential Pre-Night Checklist:
- Tell someone where you're going and who you're with
- Charge your phone fully before leaving
- Have a backup plan for getting home
- Know the address of where you're going (5 Ward Road for Balcony Bar)
- Set a budget and stick to it
Eat Before Drinking
Never drink on an empty stomach. Food slows alcohol absorption and keeps you sharper throughout the night.
Good Pre-Night Meals:
- Something with carbs and protein
- Avoid overly salty foods (makes you thirstier)
- Eat 1-2 hours before your first drink
Arrange Transport Home
Before you start drinking, know how you're getting back:
- Book a taxi in advance for late night
- Check last bus/train times
- Designate a driver if in a group
- Download taxi apps (Uber, local taxi companies)
- Have cash as backup for card machine failures
During Your Night Out
Look After Your Drinks
The Golden Rules:
- Never leave your drink unattended
- Don't accept drinks from strangers
- Watch your drink being poured/made
- If you've left it, get a new one
- Use drink covers if available
If You Feel Unwell Suddenly:
- Tell a friend immediately
- Alert bar staff
- Don't leave alone
- Call for help if needed
Stay With Your Group
Buddy System Works:
- Arrive together, leave together
- Check on each other regularly
- Have a meeting point if separated
- Share your location via phone
- Don't let drunk friends leave alone
Know Your Limits
Signs You've Had Enough:
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty walking straight
- Making poor decisions
- Feeling unwell
- Losing track of time
It's okay to:
- Switch to water or soft drinks
- Say no to another round
- Leave earlier than planned
- Take a break from drinking
Stay Hydrated
Water is Your Friend:
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
- Most bars (including Balcony Bar) provide free tap water
- Dehydration makes hangovers worse
- Helps you stay alert
Venue Safety
At Balcony Bar & Other Venues
What We Do to Keep You Safe:
- Trained door staff
- CCTV throughout venue
- Staff trained in drink safety
- Ask Angela scheme supported
- Well-lit premises
Ask Angela: If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, go to the bar and "Ask for Angela." Staff will help you discreetly exit or get assistance.
Red Flags to Watch For
Trust Your Instincts:
- Someone being overly pushy
- Pressure to drink more
- Someone trying to separate you from friends
- Uncomfortable situations
- Anyone who won't take no for an answer
What to Do:
- Remove yourself from the situation
- Tell bar staff or security
- Stay with trusted friends
- Don't feel bad about being cautious
Getting Home Safely
Late Night Transport
Safe Options in Dundee:
- Licensed black cabs (check plate number)
- Pre-booked taxis from reputable firms
- Friends/family pickup
- Night buses on main routes
Avoid:
- Unlicensed taxis
- Walking alone through quiet areas
- Getting in cars with strangers
- Shortcuts through dark areas
Walking Home
If You Must Walk:
- Stick to well-lit main roads
- Stay with friends
- Keep your phone charged
- Be aware of surroundings
- Don't wear headphones
Taxi Safety
Before Getting In:
- Check it's the taxi you booked
- Verify driver's ID if possible
- Note the registration number
- Share your journey with a friend
During the Journey:
- Sit in the back
- Keep phone accessible
- Trust your instincts
- Know your route
Looking After Friends
Signs Someone Needs Help
They May Need Assistance If:
- Can't stand or walk properly
- Vomiting or feeling very unwell
- Confused or disoriented
- Passed out or unresponsive
- Being taken advantage of
How to Help
Immediate Actions:
- Stay with them
- Get them water
- Alert venue staff
- Don't leave them alone
- Call for help if needed
Never:
- Leave a drunk friend alone
- Let them leave with strangers
- Assume they'll be "fine"
- Put them to bed on their back (risk of choking)
Recovery Position
If someone is unconscious but breathing:
- Turn them on their side
- Tilt head back slightly
- Put their hand under their cheek
- Call 999 if you're worried
The Morning After
Dealing With Hangovers
Helpful:
- Rehydrate (water, juice, sports drinks)
- Eat something easy (toast, bananas)
- Rest
- Paracetamol if needed
Avoid:
- "Hair of the dog" (more alcohol)
- Greasy food myths
- Caffeine (more dehydration)
- Driving while still affected
Check on Friends
Send a quick message to make sure everyone got home safely. It's good practice and shows you care.
Emergency Contacts
Keep These Handy:
- Emergency Services: 999
- Non-Emergency Police: 101
- NHS 24: 111
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Local Taxi Numbers
Balcony Bar's Commitment
At Balcony Bar, we take your safety seriously:
- All staff trained in responsible service
- Free tap water always available
- Well-lit venue inside and out
- Ask Angela scheme supported
- Security on busy nights
- Staff who actually care
Our Location: 5 Ward Road, Dundee DD1 1LP
We want you to have an amazing night and get home safely. Don't hesitate to ask our staff for help with anything.
The Bottom Line
A great night out is one you remember for the right reasons. Stay alert, look after each other, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Balcony Bar is here for good times and safe nights.
Party smart. Get home safe. See you soon.