Skip to main content

Important Notice: Closure of Licensing SAVI

Since our launch, Licensing SAVI has been proud to support thousands of venues across England and Wales in raising safety standards and reducing vulnerability within the night-time economy.

The initiative has operated for five years however, after review, is to close with effect from 30 April 2026.

·       Effective closure date: 30 April 2026

·       Existing accreditations: If a venue is currently accredited their Licensing SAVI accreditation status remains active for the remainder of their one-year accreditation period, with access to all assets. However they will not be able to renew their accreditation once it expires

·       New applications: We will not be accepting new accreditation applications from venues

Who to Contact Now:

·       For Licensing SAVI specific queries: Please contact 

·       For licensing advice & safety concerns: Please contact your local Police Alcohol Licensing Officer (PALO)

·       For regulatory or statutory enquiries: Please contact your Local Authority Licensing Team

ASM Global venues recognised for ongoing commitment to safety and security

- News

World-leading venue and event management company, ASM Global, has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to staff and customer safety with a number of its UK arenas and event venues achieving a National Policing Award for Safety.

The following ASM Global venues achieved this accolade after successfully renewing for a second year with the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI), a police-led scheme to improve the safety and security of their premises for the benefit of staff, customers, and local communities:

  • AO Arena Manchester
    AO Arena Manchester is one of the world’s busiest and largest indoor arenas, welcoming over one million visitors annually. With a capacity of 23,000, it hosts the biggest names in music, comedy, and live entertainment. Since opening in 1995, it has remained a flagship venue at the heart of Manchester’s vibrant cultural and live events scene.

  • The Bridgewater Hall Manchester
    The Bridgewater Hall is Manchester’s iconic concert venue and home to the Hallé Orchestra. Seating 2,300 it hosts over 300 performances each year spanning classical, jazz, pop, and contemporary music. Renowned for its stunning acoustics and architectural design, it’s a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape and a world-class stage for international and local talent alike.

  • Connexin Live Hull
    A state-of-the-art music and events complex with a capacity of up to 4,000 people for concerts and live events, plus an array of bars, lounges, premium seating and hospitality suits including the Live Lounge and Lookout. The venue has hosted events by artists such as Bob Dylan, Paloma Faith, Blondie, Noel Gallagher and many more.

  • first direct arena Leeds
    Located in the heart of Leeds, the 13,781-capacity first direct arena hosts top-tier music, comedy, and sporting events. From Sir Elton John to the MOBO Awards, it’s a premier destination for world-class entertainment. Since opening in 2013, it has played a key role in shaping the city’s dynamic live event scene, attracting fans from across the UK.

  • OVO Arena Wembley London
    The OVO Arena Wembley, a 12,500-capacity Grade II Listed venue in North-West London, is one of the UK’s most iconic arenas. Hosting over 120 shows annually, it welcomes major music, comedy, and sporting acts while championing sustainability in live entertainment. Acts from The Beatles to Becky Hill have graced its stage since opening in 1934.

  • Utilita Arena Newcastle
    The North East’s premier indoor venue, Utilita Arena Newcastle has been ‘Live since 95!’ and celebrates 30 years of unforgettable events. With an 11,000 capacity, it supports artists from grassroots to global stars like Dolly Parton and Beyoncé. A cultural cornerstone, it continues to welcome millions and host top music, comedy, and live entertainment acts.

  • York Barbican York
    York Barbican is the city’s largest music and arts venue, offering a flexible space with a capacity of 2,000. Known for its diverse programming, the venue hosts concerts, comedy, dance, and sporting events, attracting both world-renowned performers and local talent to its stage.

Each of the venues, all operating as members of the ASM Global group, completed the Licensing SAVI self assessment procedure which covers topics including - responsible drinking, drugs misuse, preventing violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers, through to preventing opportunist theft and improving physical security, such as lighting and CCTV systems. Most measures included in Licensing SAVI can be introduced quickly and at little or no cost.

Licensing SAVI provides consistent standards, guidance and advice that licensed premises in England and Wales need to meet the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and promote the four Licensing Objectives: Prevention of Public Nuisance; Prevention of Crime and Disorder; Protection of Children from Harm; and Public Safety. Licensing SAVI also includes guidance on counter terrorism.

Tim Chambers, Head of Group Security ASM Global (Europe), said: “At ASM Global, the safety and well-being of everyone in our venues is our top priority. Renewing our commitment to Licensing SAVI reinforces our dedication to creating secure, welcoming environments for fans, staff, and performers, and highlights the proactive steps we take to support safer enjoyment of events across all our UK venues.”

The assessment was developed following a request by the Home Office to Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), which works alongside the Police Service to deter and reduce crime. As well as providing 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 and Emergency Departments.

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.

Recent research carried out across Telford showed a 24% decrease in violence with injury offences and a 17.9% reduction in reported incidents on premises for venues which had undertaken the Licensing SAVI assessment, underscoring the initiative’s capability to significantly mitigate risks and enhance safety in licensed venues.

Ian Shuttleworth, Licensing SAVI, commented: “Having nationally renowned venues as 5-star Licensing SAVI accredited premises just goes to show how our assessment is applicable to all venue types, and how learning in relation to safety, security and vulnerability can be achieved. We are grateful to our partners at ASM Global for promoting the use of the Licensing SAVI initiative across their venues and we look forward to continuing this important work for safer socialising into the future.”


For further information visit:
Licensing SAVI
Email:  
Web: 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. A Board of Directors which includes senior police officers from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as Directors with successful careers across a wide range of disciplines in the private sector, control and direct the work Police CPI carry out.

Visit: policecpi.com