New guide to reduce violence at pubs

A new guide has been released to help reduce the risk of violence at licensed premises.

The guide - Managing Safety in Bars, Pubs and Clubs - has been produced by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and the Bar Entertainment & Dance Association (Beda).

The guide pulls together industry good practice and sets out a standard approach to identifying factors that might cause problems in any licensed venue.

It recognises the diversity of the trade and highlights the range of actions that can be taken to minimise the risk of violence to staff and customers.

It also contains a check list of preventative measures to minimise risk, and helps licensees identify other measures that might contribute further to a safer environment.

All BBPA members will be encouraged to use the six-page guide to help ensure that both customers and staff feel secure, comfortable and relaxed in all licensed premises.

BBPA director of communications, Mark Hastings, said: "There is no doubt that effective solutions to the problems of safety and risk lie in good management in pubs and clubs.​

"As far as glassware is concerned, in its alcohol strategy, the Government has clearly stated its own preference for a targeted approach. This we strongly support, and our risk assessment reflects this. It should be a valuable tool for licensees."

Paul Smith, executive director of Beda, added: "We feel at Beda that it is vital to have an easy to use guide to be able risk assess a premises. This document aims to do just that.​

"In addition, at a time when further evidence that clubs, bars and pubs are behaving corporately socially responsibly is needed, then this resource will hopefully prove invaluable to licensees."

The BBPA's risk assessment can be downloaded from www.beerandpub.com​ or copies can be ordered from Pamela Bates - call 020 7627 9143 or email congrf@orrenaqcho.pbz​