Work to support bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants in towns and cities across the force area to help make venues safer for customers, staff and local communities is gaining pace.

Today PC Jen Evans (Police Alcohol Licensing Officer) along with PC Dee Stanley (Community Safety Engagement Officer) visited several licenced premises in Malvern Link to discuss the scheme and to encourage them to sign up in an aim to make Licenced premises safer.

West Mercia Police is encouraging more premises to join more than 100 others who have already signed up to the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI).

Licensing SAVI (or LSAVI) is the first ever National Policing Award for safety and security, and it is a major part of the Forces’ prevention strategy to tackle all types of crime, with a focus on preventing violence against women and girls. Licensing SAVI encourages venues to test and improve their operational security and management practices using an online self-assessment, which, for the first time, contains all the information that licensed premises need to meet police and council statutory requirements for safety and security.

Upon submitting their assessment, a venue will be awarded a Licensing SAVI star-rating to display the efforts they have taken to improve safety and security.

As well as providing safer and more secure venues, Licensing SAVI also seeks to reduce the demand on Police Forces and their partners including local councils, NHS Ambulance Services and Accident and Emergency Departments. It is supported by the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

If you would like more information on this scheme or want to sign up then please email: licensingsouthworcs@westmercia.police.uk