The British Beer & Pub Association has highlighted ‘Managing Safety in Pubs’, a guidance publication for licensees, with tips on helping customers and staff feel secure, comfortable and safe in all licensed premises in the run-up to Christmas.
The guidance sets out risk factors to be considered by licensees, and helps to identify preventative measures that can be taken where appropriate. The BBPA’s guidance also includes a risk assessment that can be used by licensees to identify the risk profile of their business, which should be used on an ongoing basis.
The guidance also covers the threat of terrorism – with pubs and other venues experiencing some of their busiest times in the run up to Christmas, the BBPA are reminding licensees to remain vigilant.
Whilst attacks on bars and clubs in the UK are extremely rare, the BBPA’s guidance underlines the need to ensure that there are robust protective security measures available to address the threat of terrorism, whilst at the same time maintaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere within the premises.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, comments:
“Pubs are of course safe and hospitable almost all of the time, and disturbances or incidents are defused quickly and professionally by staff. Our updated guidance is designed to help licensees identify risk, and keep their venues safe and welcoming as we approach the busy festive period. We are urging licensees to use our guidance keep an up-to-date risk assessment of their venue.”