A YouGov survey has found that over three-quarters of UK adults think improved safety procedures in bars, pubs and nightclubs is necessary, following recent publicity around the safety of women and girls.
The YouGov survey of adults, who would visit at least one licensed premises in a six-month period, was carried out between 16 August – 5 September. The survey was commissioned by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), a police-owned organisation, which works alongside the Police Service to deter and reduce crime.
With safety defined as ‘where efforts have been made to prevent crime, reduce harm and where staff will support you if you are feeling vulnerable’, 5,050 adults in England aged 18-45, were asked whether they agreed with the statement that ‘recent publicity around the safety of women and girls has made it more important for licensed premises to improve their safety procedures’.
Across all licensed premises, the support for improved safety in venues is greatest amongst women. In nightclubs, 83% of women want improved safety compared to 75% of men. In bars and clubs the percentage point difference is greater, with 81% of women wanting safety improvements compared to 70% of men. In restaurants, 64% of women want safety improvements – 14% ahead of men.
The YouGov research also found that a police safety award may benefit all the different types of licensed premises to some extent, with 25% of adults reporting being more likely to visit bars and pubs that had received the award. The figures for nightclubs (24%) and stadiums and arenas (19%) are also noteworthy given the award is still in its early stages.
One of Police CPI’s latest initiatives is Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI), which seeks to improve safety and security in licensed premises. Developed at the request of the Home Office, Licensing SAVI is being supported by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Project Servator, which seeks to deter terrorist attacks in public places.
Licensing SAVI brings together all the information that licensees need to meet the requirements of police and council licensing teams, comply with the Licensing Act 2003 and promote the four Licensing Objectives: Prevention of Public Nuisance, Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Protection of Children from Harm and Public Safety.
Available as an online self-assessment, it provides definitive information on effective management practices and operational security, as well as some straightforward safety measures. It leads to a star-rating and venues can apply for an award, which can be displayed at their premises, showing the efforts undertaken to enhance safety and security. This will be the first ever National Policing Award in England and Wales.
Mark Morgan, Business Manager for Licensing SAVI, and a former Police Superintendent, said: “There is a tremendous consistency in these results which show how important safety has become today for men and women – but particularly women.
“We have produced Licensing SAVI to help licensees have all the information they need at their fingertips to run safer venues as well as gain a star-rating and receive a police award to help them build customer loyalty and attract new customers.
“Following the return to work of staff who have been on furlough and the recruitment of new staff to replace those who have left, and in advance of the busy Christmas and New Year period, it is timely for venues to consider undertaking a safety health check. It will also help them create a benchmark for further safety improvement as they continue to develop their business. This is a clear requirement identified from the survey,” said Mark.
In March 2021, as part of its commitment to providing safer and more secure venues through Licensing SAVI, Police CPI signed up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter, which seeks to make London a place where women feel ‘confident and welcome’ at night. It means Police CPI will actively support the Charter’s seven pledges and encourage other businesses and organisations in the capital to join in to tackle violence against women.
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