Police backed scheme boosts safety and security in night-time economy

A pub in Nottinghamshire is the first in the county to achieve a national accreditation for its approach to venue safety thanks to the support of Nottinghamshire Police which is promoting the Licensing SAVI scheme.

The national Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (SAVI) scheme is aimed at supporting licensed premises to create a safer environment for staff, customers and the local community through advice and implementation of policies and procedures, allowing them to self-assess their current performance and look for ways that may be improved. 

The force’s licensing team has been encouraging venues like the Royal Oak pub in Radcliffe-on-Trent to review how it make venues safe for all and particularly to make improvements to help prevent and reduce violence against women and girls. 

It takes a couple of hours to go through the assessment process that 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. Once the assessment is complete, the force goes through it with the team at Licensing SAVI before accreditation is given.

“Moving forward, we hope to continue working with key partners in rolling out Licensing SAVI across the Nottinghamshire area, supporting and recognising safer licensed premises for all to enjoy.” 

Adrian Paling, Licensing Officer, Nottinghamshire Police.

The Royal Oak achieved the highest level accreditation and the force said it hoped that it would be the first of many across the county as more venues become aware of the scheme.

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