Mark Morgan, Licensing Savi Business Manager, gives his personal view on the initiative;
‘We all enjoy time out with friends or family. A drink. A meal. A dance, karaoke or just a game of darts! These activities that we took for granted pre-pandemic seem more precious than ever today.
We’re seeing continued growth of Licensing SAVI across the country, now having venues in over 80 different town and cities.
As we’ve mentioned previously, recent incidents at licensed premises both locally and internationally remind us why reviewing safety and security practices is so important and how using Licensing SAVI can ensure premises are best prepared for a variety of scenarios that could arise.
The following advice is provided to licensed premises to maximise safety during the Christmas and New Year period:
Review venue policies and risk assessments to ensure they are current, with a focus upon vulnerability and safety. Free templates, including women’s safety and the recently added incident and refusal logs, along with numerous other resources are available within Licensing SAVI.
Use the policies as the basis for staff briefings and training, encouraging discussion as staff understanding what to look for and the role they play is key to success.
Check Premises Licence conditions to ensure plans are compliant, especially when considering using space differently such as outside areas which may not have been used before; and submit Temporary Event Notices where necessary as early as possible
Review your available resources – if you need the additional support of Security Industry Authority (SIA) registered Door Supervisors or any other staff, then plan early as we know recent challenges exist
Ensure staff are wearing branded uniforms/badges so customers know who to ask for assistance.
Consider using polycarbonate or similar drinking vessels, decant any bottles to reduce risk of injury or harm, and ask staff to clear rubbish quickly and remove to secure storage.
Run sensible drinking promotions such as a Designated Driver Scheme or Club Soda scheme and make free water available.
Remind staff about 21/25 age-identification schemes to manage underage drinkers and that it is an offence to serve a drunk person (or on behalf of drunk person)
Encourage staff to be on the look-out for drink spiking, monitor unattended drinks and provide immediate assistance to customers feeling dizzy, disorientated or showing signs of intoxication; also for the venue to provide signage warning not to leave drinks unattended
Display or ensure staff have available the phone numbers of reputable taxi companies and / or signpost nearby transport hubs and consider your dispersal plans when everyone leaves at the same time.
Check smoke alarms are working and keep decorations clear of exits to allow for escape in emergency and ensure staff know their role in emergency procedures.
The terrorist threat is ‘substantial’ which means an attack is ‘likely’. Crowded places are particularly at risk.
Managers and staff will need to be vigilant for anything out of the ordinary or that doesn’t feel right no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
Call your local police on 101 or in an emergency 999. For further information on action to counter terrorism visit: find out what to look out for and how to keep yourself and others safe or | Protect UKs.