Hertford’s popular Popworld nightclub has become the first licensed venue in Hertfordshire to receive a 5-star accreditation for a National Policing Award for Safety.
Popworld Hertford, part of the Stonegate Group, achieved this accolade after successfully taking part in a pioneering, police-led initiative to improve the safety and security of its premises for the benefit of staff, customers, and local communities.
Available as an on-line self-assessment, Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI) brings together, for the first time, all the information that licensed premises need to comply with the requirements of local police and council licensing teams, achieve a star-rating and have the opportunity to apply for Licensing SAVI accreditation and an award.
Popworld has forged a legendary status across the UK for providing safe, memorable nights out filled with fun, laughter and the best pop tunes in town. The late-night bar features retro-inspired décor spread across two floors. Alicia Brown, General Manager at Popworld, Hertford said: “Everyone should feel safe and at ease when they enjoy the nightlife in Hertford. The Licensing SAVI 5-star accreditation being awarded is a big stride forward for us in achieving great safety levels in our venue. The well-being of our team and guests is our upmost priority, which means everyone can enjoy a Popworld Party. I would like to thank the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives organisation, for recognising our efforts to keep our guests always feeling welcome and safe, as well as our fantastic guests who make managing this venue so worthwhile.”
The roll-out in Hertfordshire is being part funded by the Safer Neighbourhood Initiative Fund, with Hertfordshire Constabulary, along with East Herts Council, the East Herts Community Safety Partnership and District Councillors for Hertford, Ware and Bishop’s Stortford working in partnership to officially launch Licensing SAVI in their county.
Hertford Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Nathan Howson said: “Everyone has the right to enjoy a night out without fearing for their safety and we work closely with our licensed premises to ensure that this is the case. The Licensing SAVI scheme forms part of the wider work we’re doing around the night-time economy, and I’m pleased that a number of venues are signing up, with Popworld already achieving the highest accreditation.
“East Herts is the first area of the county to adopt Licensing SAVI, but this is something that we hope to introduce across Hertfordshire in the coming months.”
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 provide 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.
Ian Shuttleworth, Licensing SAVI, commended the venue on their efforts to improve safety and security throughout their premises: “I congratulate Popworld Hertford on becoming one of the first venues in Hertfordshire to achieve a 5* award for safety. We are delighted to be working closely with venue managers, East Herts Community Safety Partnership and Hertfordshire Police to bring Licensing SAVI to more licensed premises in the area. Partnership working is vital in improving safety and raising awareness of some of the key issues centred around the night-time economy, which will hopefully help businesses build customer loyalty, attract new customers, and grow support from the local community following a difficult period.”
A YouGov survey of 5,050 adults aged 18-45 in England and Wales commissioned by Police CPI in September 2021 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.
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.
It also covers drink spiking, an issue which has hit national headlines recently with a number of victims from around the country reporting being assaulted with needles.
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.
Contact:
Popworld Hertford
Tel: 01992 553736
Email:
Address: 7-11 Bull Plain, Hertford, SG14 1DY
Web: https://www.popworldparty.co.uk/hertford
For further information visit:
Licensing SAVI:
Email:
Web: https://licensingsavi.com
About Police CPI
Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI) is a police-owned, not-for-profit organisation which delivers a wide range of innovative and ground-breaking crime prevention and demand reduction initiatives to support the UK Police Service, Government and the public. Senior police officers control and direct the work Police CPI carries out on behalf of the Police Service.
Visit: https://www.policecpi.com