PC Prentice, Safer Neighbourhood Officer for Evesham Rural North and PC Evans, Licensing Officer for South Worcestershire attended The Fish and Anchor, Offenham this week to go through relevant checks relating to the Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI) which ensures licensed premises are aware of and meet the standards required by responsible authorities in England and Wales. We are pleased to say,

The Fish and Anchor is the FIRST licensed premise in Wychavon to obtain this accreditation.

Licensing SAVI brings together all the information the licensed premise need to meet the requirements of police and council licensing teams and promote the four licensing objectives: prevention of public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder, protection of children from harm and public safety.

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.

Superintendent Edward Hancox, Head of Prevention at West Mercia Police, said: “We’re really encouraged by the more than 100 premises who have already signed up the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative.

“Licensing SAVI aims to help bars, clubs and restaurants across our towns and city centres do everything they can to make their venue safer. Our licensing officers will work with premises to promote the award, which is already well embedded at venues in Telford with 69 of them accredited.

“We want everyone to feel and be safer on a night out and will continue to work with partners and premises to help us achieve this.