'Drunk tanks' and cancelled days off - NHS and police prepare for boozy 'Festive Friday'

The NHS and police services are preparing for a boozy Britain over the festive period, with cash earmarked to fund so-called “drunk tanks” and police called in on their days off.

The health service has earmarked £300,000 to fund “drunk tanks” in a bid to ease the pressure on hospitals and emergency services over the festive period.

The supervised areas aim to be a safe space where revellers who have had a few too many festive drinks can be checked over and sleep off the booze instead of clogging up A&E departments.

The last Friday before Christmas is dubbed ‘Mad Friday’ as workers across the country celebrate the start of the Christmas break, often with heavy drinking.

Police forces are preparing for the party season, with some forces cancelling days off to ensure there are officers on hand to deal with ‘Festive Friday’.

Cumbria Police inspector Kim Brennand tweeted: “Cancelled days off today to make sure we have tactical support groups & dog teams in 3 areas of Cumbria tonight to help our colleagues with Festive Friday?

“Go out, have a great night but please dont ruin somebody elses, or your own Christmas with criminal behaviour.”

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NHS England has earmarked £300,00 to fund dozens of ‘drunk tanks’ across the country including one in London’s Soho.

Officially called Alcohol Intoxication Management Services (Aims), the areas are already used in some cities and towns year-round including Exeter, Hereford, Norwich and Blackpool.

NHS chief executive Simon Stevens emphasised that NHS “does not stand for National Hangover Service”.

He said: “I have seen first-hand while out with ambulance crews in the run-up to last Christmas the problems that drunk and often aggressive people cause paramedics and A&E staff who just want to help those who need it most,” he said.

“We want to help other organisations take care of those who just need somewhere safe to get checked over and perhaps sleep it off.”

He said he wanted to see councils make wider use of the “late night levy” they can impose on bars and clubs to set aside safe spaces for revellers.