Multi-Agency Operation Targets Night-time Economy

On Saturday 17 December a night-time, multi-agency operation took place that targeted licensed premises in Ross-on-Wye and Hereford.

The operation saw West Mercia Police, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and Herefordshire Council's Licensing and Trading Standards officers come together to conduct joint visits to nine different premises.

Temporary Inspector Dave Boote, who was lead officer for the police in the operation, said:

"As we have now started Operation Christmas Presence, it is important to ensure that the licensed premises in the county are also working hard to ensure that people out enjoying the festivities are kept safe.

"During the course of the operation issues were found at some of the premises we visited and these issues included breaches of premise licence conditions, a lack of availability of fire risk assessments and also the fact that some door staff did not comply fully with SIA regulations.

"However, on the whole this was a positive night as the licence holders and staff we encountered were very co-operative and stated that they themselves wanted to ensure they are fully compliant with all relevant regulations."

District Fire Safety Manager Neil Pigott added:

"Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are planning to carry out full fire safety inspections of licensed premises over the festive season and into the New Year. 

"We remind all licensees that they should ensure their fire risk assessment includes the control of numbers within safe limits, training of staff for emergency evacuation, and that fire exits and escape routes are maintained clear and open at all times." 

Meanwhile, SIA Head of Investigation Paul Cartlidge said:

"During the festive season, door supervisors have an important role to play in helping to maintain public safety so it is important that they are trained, vetted and SIA licensed."

Moving on to talk about the next step for the operation, T/Inspector Boote revealed:

"The agencies involved mainly used this operation as an opportunity to educate licensees but warning notices will now be sent to some premises in relation to the breaches that were found.

"Follow-up visits will take place at a later date to ensure the licensees and premises have acted on these warning notices."

If any licensee would like further information on compliance issues related to their license conditions, this can be obtained from Herefordshire Council's Licensing department.   

Issued: Tuesday 20 December, 2011