Police Licensing Team work with local businesses in run up to Christmas

The Christmas season is well underway and police officers from Northamptonshire Police’s Alcohol Licensing Team are working with local businesses to ensure people out and about during the night-time economy are kept safe.

During the festive period, pubs, bars and clubs often experience a higher number of customers due to the various parties and social events which have been organised to celebrate Christmas.

With these higher numbers comes an extra responsibility for business owners to ensure the safety of everyone attending their premises. These responsibilities include:

• Not allowing the number of customers to exceed the business’ agreed “occupancy figure”.
• Reviewing staff and security arrangements to ensure anyone visiting the venue is kept safe.
• Informing the Police Licensing Team of any special promotions/events likely to bring in extra numbers or other risk factors no less than 14 days prior to the event.
• Being vigilant to vulnerability issues inside or in the vicinity of the venue and ensuring the relevant organisation, including the Street Pastors, the Northampton Guardians, CCTV, police officers or paramedics, are made aware of any vulnerable people.
• Being extra vigilant to revellers under the age of 18 by thoroughly checking ID at the entry points and at the bar.
• Ensuring that a Fire Risk Assessment has been conducted by a competent person and reviewed within the last 12
• Monitoring levels of intoxication by training staff to spot the signs of drunkenness.
• Being aware to the possibility of drug use at the venue.

Licensing Sergeant Simon Moreton said: “During the festive season, there are a lot more people going out whether that’s meeting up with friends, going out with family, or enjoying a work Christmas party.

“All of these events lead to increased numbers of people visiting the night-time economy and we want businesses to be aware of their responsibilities to their customers. We want everyone out to have fun but we also want them to be kept safe.

“We’d encourage every business owner who operates during this period to read the guidance above and contact us at [email protected] if you need any clarification.”