Shot girls help to keep people safe on nights out

Courtney Page is one of the shot girls helping people stay safe through Operation Hydrate

Shot girls are working on the "front line" of a city's bars to help keep people safe on nights out.

The sales staff, who sell drinks across Durham, are now offering customers cans of water if they seem too drunk.

They are working with Durham Constabulary and have undergone sexual harassment training to allow them to spot and protect vulnerable people.

"[Sales staff] are the front line, they are walking through the crowd and they can intervene," said Insp Dave Clarke.

Courtney Page, one of the shot girls working with the police, said she often sees warning signs that someone has become too drunk and immediately offers them a can of water.

She said: "You get some who aren’t very open to it, but then their friends jump on board and encourage them as they know they are going to have to help them throughout the night.

"If you have banter with them and you’re not telling them off, you can speak to them on a 'friend' level and they are more open to taking it."

'Friendly advice'

The cans are branded with Operation Hydrate, the name of the initiative, so that people know they are getting a safe, sealed drink.

The labels feature a QR code directing people to the Safe Durham website, which highlights other safety schemes in the city such as Street Friends and the Safety Hub.

Dynamite Pink Floor Sales Agency, which employs the shot girls, said customers are more willing to accept advice from staff due to the rapport the women have built with them.

Ms Page said: "They know it's only for their best interests. You’re not trying to kick them out of the bar.

"It’s just a little bit of friendly advice - which I would give to my own friends - so they can carry on and get into the rest of the bars."