Licensing SAVI Launches to 300 Venues in West Yorkshire
A pioneering licensing initiative to improve the safety and security of bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels has been launched across West Yorkshire.
It follows a recent YouGov poll in which up to 79% of adults agreed that ‘recent publicity around the safety of women and girls has made it more important for licensed premises to improve their safety procedures’.
Funded by the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), it is being delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.
A total of 300 specially selected licensed premises across Bradford, Calderdale, Wakefield and Kirklees are being invited to take part in the scheme, which encourages venues to improve their operational security and management practices year on year.
It means West Yorkshire has become the first county in England and Wales to officially launch Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI), which has been developed at the request of the Home Office in conjunction with Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, which works alongside the Police Service around the UK to deter and reduce crime.
Licensing SAVI’s aim is to provide safer and more secure venues for managers, staff, customers and local communities and to reduce the demand on Police Forces, NHS Ambulance Services and Accident & Emergency Departments.
It offers an on-line self-assessment for licences premises, where they will be awarded a Star-Rating and can apply for Licensing SAVI Accreditation. Most safety and security measures included in Licensing SAVI can be introduced quickly and at little or no cost.
Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, Chief Superintendent Jackie Marsh, said: “Given the unprecedented experience that the sector has endured over the past year or so, it is really important that we are able to support venues across the county in providing a safe environment to operate within.
“By funding this initiative and anticipating any potential issues, we can give premises the knowledge, security and confidence they require that will ultimately work to reduce the incidence of violent crime and associated issues.
“Particularly aside the backdrop of preventing violence against women and girls, as well as the kickstarting of the night-time economy, this partnership approach represents another step in the right direction.”
Sarah Muckle, Director of Public Health for Bradford Council and Lead Public Health Director for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, said: “Providing a safe and secure environment for communities is a priority for us all. Giving local businesses good guidance to keep their premises safe and secure is one way we can help achieve this.”
Email: enquiries@licensingsavi.com
