Chief Inspector Kevin Weeden, from the Metropolitan Police’s New Year’s Eve Command Team, has these words for Haringey businesses:
“The Christmas and New Year period is traditionally a very busy time for both the police and the hospitality industry and it is important that you and your staff take all the necessary steps to ensure that your business is run safely and responsibly. I would like to take this opportunity to ensure you are aware of measures which can be undertaken to assist you in promoting the licensing objectives.
Event Safety
Where you intend to hold any large or specific events during the Festive/New Year period they should ideally be fully ticketed, booked in advance and have no tickets sold ‘on the door’. We ask that you send these details to the police and local authority licensing teams, and also consider increasing staff and security at your premises.
Please remain vigilant when serving alcohol and remember that intoxication can lead to vulnerability, anti-social behaviour and crime. As such, we ask that over this period licensed premises & TEN users do not advertise any alcohol promotions. In addition, glass or ceramic containers present a risk to public safety and as such we strongly suggest that all alcohol and soft drinks should be sold or supplied in other types of containers such as polycarbonate, paper, plastic or can. If large crowds do gather and present a risk to public safety, or other serious crimes occurs, a Police Officer may request that you immediately stop selling alcohol and take any other appropriate action.
Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG)
This is one of the most important areas within the night-time economy (NTE). Over the last two years, great improvements have been made to tackle VAWG offences. There are still significant challenges to ensure continuity across the industry, as it becomes embedded as standard practice for all. Combating the threat of drink spiking and promoting the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme via staff training should be core priorities in line with the licensing objectives. In addition, the introduction of regular and thorough welfare/vulnerability training for staff is key to maintain a safe environment for customers. Please speak to your local police licensing team (details below) if you need further information or assistance about what steps your venue can take.
Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative
Licensing SAVI is a self-assessment tool designed to help licensed premises improve standards in various different areas of compliance within licensing and other related legislation. It has a wide range of tools and posters covering various topics that can be downloaded for free; including drink spiking, drugs and counter terrorism posters for both public areas and back of house. It was developed at the request of the Home Office and is backed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and can be found at https://www.licensingsavi.com
Should an offence occur within your premises you should follow these four actions:
- Call Police on either 101 or 999 depending on the urgency.
- Look after the Victim.
- Detain the Suspect if safe to do so (having undertaken a dynamic risk assessment).
- Preserve any Evidence such as CCTV, witnesses, scene or contaminated drinks.
Counter Terrorism
I would also like to remind you that busy public locations remain attractive terrorist targets. The UK threat level is currently SUBSTANTIAL – An attack is likely. You are strongly advised to complete a counter terrorism Risk Assessment and review emergency and resilience plans. Please remain vigilant and brief all your staff regularly. If you see anything suspicious or unusual, or out of place, please report it immediately dialling 999 or via the Anti -Terrorism Hotline – 0800 789 321. Please also see the following web link for all the necessary information to keep you and your staff alert to the threat of terrorism. You and your staff are advised to complete the ACT E Learning package. This is a FREE 45 minute online counter terrorism package that will improve your knowledge and situational awareness when attacks occur.
For more information on ACT E Learning, please visit www.protectuk@police.uk or download the ProtectUK App (URIM app Ltd) via the Play or Apple Store.
Please also utilise the Counter Terrorism Winter Vigilance publicity material for businesses by visiting https://matomo.protectuk.police.uk/bb75bd
This information is sent in support of the great work undertaken within the hospitality industry. By working together in partnership we can ensure that everyone enjoys the festive events and stays safe.”
If you require further information, please contact your local police licensing team by:
Phone: 02071618386
Email: NAMailbox-.Licensing@met.police.uk
Click the link for more information
