Northamptonshire’s The Wig and Pen pub has become one of the first in the county to receive a National Policing Award for Safety.
The Wig and Pen, part of the McManus Pubs 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.
Mark Morgan, Business Manager, Licensing SAVI, said: “We’re delighted to see the Wig & Pen score so well and become accredited. From speaking to Jodie and reviewing the assessment, coupled with comment from the Police Licensing team, it is clear that she and her team have a genuine desire to take customer and staff safety seriously, with excellent practices to reduce vulnerability. Congratulations to all at the Wig & Pen – excellent effort.”
Once voted CAMRA Northamptonshire's pub of the year, The Wig & Pen is a venue steeped in history, with traditional décor and a unique food and dining experience, situated in the heart of Northampton town centre. The pub features a planted raised garden terrace, as well as a retractable roof and heaters. As proud supporters of Northampton Saints, the venue shows all live Aviva, Premier League, Heineken Cup and International Rugby throughout the season and screen other major sporting events on BT Sports.
Wig & Pen Manger Jodie Muir said: “We are really pleased to not only receive the award but to be one of the first to do so in the county, we hope that other licensed premises take up the initiative and together we can provide safe and comfortable venues across Northampton.”
Stephen Mold, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire, commented: “I am delighted that The Wig and Pen has signed up to Licensing SAVI because it’s a fantastic initiative that will help everyone – in particular women and girls – feel safer and more comfortable.
“I am committed as the Commissioner to doing everything I can to help our hospitality sector create an environment where everyone can feel comfortable and reassured. It’s great to see The Wig and Pen taking a lead on this and showing their customers that they take safety seriously, and I would urge other venues across the county to follow suit.”
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.
A YouGov survey of 5,050 adults aged 18-45 in England and Wales commissioned by Police CPI in Autumn 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.
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.
Northamptonshire Police Licensing Team Leader Sergeant Simon Moreton added: “I’m pleased that we are able to work together to bring the LSAVI programme to Northamptonshire and help venues improve their safety and security, keeping their customers and their staff safe. It’s really encouraging to see the first venues gain their star accreditation and I hope more will join the scheme and show their customers that they have measures in place to ensure safety.”
Contact:
The Wig and Pen
Tel: 01604 622 178
Email:
Address: 19 St Giles' Street, Northampton NN1 1JA
Web: http://thewigandpen.co.uk/