LicensingSAVI offers advice to licensed premises ahead of Freshers Week
Licensed premises are being urged to prepare to keep students safe during the forthcoming Freshers Weeks across the UK.
The advice has come from Licensing SAVI’s Mark Morgan, the police-led, national initiative which works to support licensees keep venues, such as bars, pubs and clubs, safe and secure for customers and staff.
Morgan said: “The coming weeks will bring challenges to the towns and cities who host our further and higher education establishments with the influx of new students and Freshers Weeks.
“Student vulnerability is a major concern. In addition, many venues will be employing new students as staff, so venue operators should be reviewing their practices around sensible drinking and efforts to reduce vulnerability. It is important venues strike the right balance between ensuring students have the fantastic experience they crave whilst ensuring they are safe and free from harm.”
Morgan encourages managers of venues on-campus and in towns and cities with colleges and universities:
Morgan has the following advice for managers of venues on-campus and in towns and cities with colleges and universities.
Planning is key and you can seek help from your local police and council licensing teams to problem solve reasonably anticipated risk. This will allow for appropriate support if necessary and for your venue to be included in response plans for the wider local area. This should also ensure you are able to adapt to other events nearby which could impact upon you.
You should also:
Brief your staff
Update staff on procedures and management practices, which could include:
Additional tips
Licensing SAVI is focused on supporting those who manage and work in licensed premises to be able to undertake a ‘health check’ in relation to their operating practices and security measures, providing feedback to help improve where necessary and to accredit venues with a Police Safety Award to reflect the efforts made.
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