National Licensing Week, which celebrates the role and importance of licensing in the UK to keep people safe when enjoying a variety of hospitality and pleasure activities, takes place this week between 12th and 16th June.
A recent YouGov survey of 5,050 adults aged 18-45 in England and Wales commissioned by Police CPI found that 79% of adults agreed with the statement that ‘recent publicity around the safety of women and girls has made it more important for licensed premises to improve their safety procedures’.
The research also found that support for improved safety in venues is greatest among women – with 83% of women wanting improved safety in nightclubs compared to 75% of men; and 81% of women wanting safer bars and pubs compared to 70% of men.
Mark Morgan, Business Manager, Licensing SAVI, said: “We at Licensing SAVI are pleased to see steady growth in use of our self-assessment and accreditation across a variety of types of licensed premises, receiving feedback that it is an easy to use system and more importantly – the content is current and valid to support venues in being as safe as they can be. We are absolutely committed to helping those who manage or work in venues, have systems and processes in place, so as to ensure customers have a really enjoyable and safe socialising experience”.
Licensing SAVI was developed at the request of the Home Office by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), which works alongside the Police Service to deter and reduce crime. As well as encouraging safer and more secure venues for managers, staff, customers, and local communities, it also seeks to reduce demand on Police Forces, NHS Ambulance Services and Accident & Emergency Departments.
Licensing SAVI is currently aimed at on-licence premises, so includes bars, pubs, clubs, sports venues, stadiums, restaurants and hotels. Licensing SAVI is focused on supporting those who manage and work in licensed premises to be able to undertake a ‘health check’ in relation to their operating practices and security measures, providing feedback to help improve where necessary and to accredit venues with a Police Safety Award to reflect the efforts they’ve made.
Being digital, Licensing SAVI is readily adaptable to keep pace with trends, good practice and legislative changes.
Licensing SAVI covers critical issues like responsible drinking, drugs misuse, violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers through to preventing opportunist theft and improving physical security, such as lighting and CCTV.
Most measures included in Licensing SAVI can be introduced quickly and at little or no cost.
The first police award of its kind, Licensing SAVI aims to support the licensing trade and is backed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Project Servator, a police-led vigilance scheme to deter terrorist attacks at crowded-places.
The Home Affairs Committee and Government response report into spiking, published in July 2022, recommended that staff should receive similar training to that provided by Licensing SAVI.
Find out more about Licensing SAVI at https://licensingsavi.com