Pioneering Initiative for Licensed Premises
Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), a police-owned organisation working on behalf of the Police Service throughout the UK, today (4 March) launches its latest crime prevention initiative to help provide safe and secure bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants for managers, staff, customers and local communities.
This ground-breaking initiative, called Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI), brings together for the first time, the guidance, standards and advice that licensed premises need to meet the requirements of Responsible Authorities in England and Wales and in doing so, help demonstrate compliance with the Licensing Act 2003 and promote the four Licensing Objectives.
Developed at the request of the Home Office and backed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), Licensing SAVI seeks to reduce the risk of crime, help raise standards in licensed premises and provide consistent licensing information.
Available in an online self-assessment, Licensing SAVI provides definitive information on effective management practices and operational security as well as some practical examples, which some licensed premises may not have considered before. It includes COVID-19 guidance.
Venues that complete the self-assessment will receive a Star-Rating. Licensees can then apply for Licensing SAVI Accreditation and an Award, which will show their Star-Rating and can be displayed at their premises to shiow the efforts undertaken to enhance safety.
Other key Licensing SAVI’s benefits include:
- saving licensees time by reducing the need to arrange separate meetings with Responsible Authorities
- helping prioritise improvement and build on existing good practice
- providing advice and guidance to develop a comprehensive staff training package.
Licensing SAVI will be rolled-out on a managed basis to police forces and local authorities within respective force areas.
Licensing SAVI’s Business Manager Mark Morgan, a former Merseyside Police Superintendent, said: “Licensing SAVI will help licensed premises from start-up businesses to established operators, from single independent premises to groups of venues, and from country pubs to large city nightclubs.”
Mark explained its launch is timely because it can become part of a business recovery plan as licensed premises prepare to reopen as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. “Licensed venues are likely to need to recruit new staff, reskill new and existing staff who may have been furloughed, and revisit their business plans for what could be a significant demand from customers.”
Organisations involved in the development of Licensing SAVI include many authoritative sources well-versed with industry good practice.
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