Many of you will never have heard about the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (LSAVI). It has police backing and seeks to reduce and deter crime in licensed premises. In this way, the scheme provides safer and more secure venues for customers and local communities.
LSAVI is an assessment-based tool that brings together information from Police, Fire and Licensing Authorities. It is aimed at ensuring licensed premises provide a safe and secure environment in line with the Licensing Act 2003.
The initiative covers critical issues like responsible drinking, drugs misuse, violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers, through to preventing opportunist theft and improving physical security, such as lighting and CCTV.
The scheme was developed after a survey in 2021 found that high numbers of people, particularly women, wanted improved safety in bars, pubs, and nightclubs, with up to 50% stating they would be more likely to visit a venue that achieved a police award for safety.
Safe Places Shropshire has recently been awarded funding by the National Lottery Awards for All programme for a project looking specifically at suitable venues that are open during the early evening and night-time and would be suitable to become one of our Safe Places. Licensed premises will feature prominently in the project. It is particularly important that anyone who is vulnerable knows that if they need help when they are on a night out in our towns, they will be able to find it quickly and easily on our website (www.safeplacesshropshire.com) on their mobile ‘phones.
Volunteers from Safe Places Shropshire have already signed up several licensed premises to the scheme. They are The Cock Hotel in Wellington, Telford, The Bull, Rodington, The Smokey Cow at Kemberton, The Last Inn at Newport and the Newport Royal Association Club. There are many more that will be visited soon to encourage them to join us.
If you are vulnerable due to your age or disabilities and are planning a night out, go to our website and see what premises are both LSAVI compliant and a designated Safe Place and have a great, safe evening.