News from Kent Police: A scheme that has been trialled in Kent is being launched nationally on 6th July by Kent Police in partnership with Action Against Business Crime to help licensees reduce crime and anti-social behaviour related to the evening economy.
- The Safer Socialising Award aims to improve intelligence (on community safety) and help reduce violence, drug abuse, under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour. It will encourage licensees to join together and work with their local crime reduction partnership, police and other agencies to make sure known trouble-makers are identified and excluded from all licensed premises in the scheme. It also helps visitors to choose venues that provide a good and safe night out and therefore boosts a town’s night-time economy and promotes safer socialising.
- Unlike the Best Bar None accreditation scheme (see previous post), any business related to the night-time economy can apply to be considered for a Safer Socialising Award including taxi firms, cinemas, take-aways and restaurants.
- A panel made up of police, fire service, trading standards and local authorities will visit each venue and make an assessment according to a detailed set of criteria.
The Home Office appears to be encouraging the take-up of Best Bar None schemes, with, for example, London boroughs in the Tackling Violent Crime Programme under pressure to implement them. And it's also a partner in Action Against Business Crime - the organisation looking to roll the Safer Socialising Award out nationally.
Do we need another scheme? It would seem to make sense to bring other stakeholders in management of the night time economy into local schemes; maybe Best Bar None should somehow be a scheme within the Safer Socialising Award scheme. Bit confusing for us punters though.
Comments