SOARING temperatures have seen Spalding residents flocking to local pubs – and complaints about drunkenness.
Sgt Stuart Brotherton said officers had been busy answering calls from across the town relating to rowdiness involving alcohol.
He said: “It’s the same old chestnut – you get a couple of good days and people head for the pubs, but don’t know when to stop.
“One man arrested on Tuesday in Ayscoughfee Gardens was still in custody the next day because he was so drunk.”
Although alcohol was proving a headache for police, the arrival of sunshine has been good news for at least one local pub.
Pete Williams, licensee of the Punchbowl in New Road, at last had customers in his new beer garden.
He said: “With the bad weather, we haven’t had many problems with punters drinking too much. This weather is wonderful, though – takings are definitely up.
“Fortunately, our customers are responsible and have a lot more respect these days.
“You don’t see people drinking to excess like they used to ten years ago.”
A spokesman for NHS Lincolnshire warned against excessive drinking in the heat.
Jill Anderson, Emergency Planning Lead at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, said: “While many people have been taking the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine, the heat can also be harmful to your health if you do not take the right precautions.
“One of the biggest dangers of heat is the increased risk of dehydration. Whilst it is tempting to drink a cool beer, alcohol dehydrates the body and should be kept to a minimum.
“Alcohol can interfere with senses such as balance and co-ordination and can lead to impaired judgement, putting people at risk of accidents.”
The non-emergency number for concerns is 111.