Get Licensing SAVI, licensees urged

The Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative, known as Licensing SAVI, is an online self-assessment tool that helps premises meet the standards required by regulatory authorities.

It enables them to evaluate their arrangements for dealing with a range of safety and security issues they may face, including violent behaviour, drug misuse, responsible drinking, opportunist theft and safeguarding vulnerable customers.

Hartlepool Borough Council is providing premises with free access to Licensing SAVI by paying their first 12-month subscription using funding received from the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), a pot of money administered by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

This money has to be spent in the town centre area of Hartlepool which includes the marina, and a total of 54 premises have been invited to sign-up.

Some of the licensees who attended the launch, with Licensing SAVI Development Officer Ian Shuttleworth (far left) and Hartlepool Borough Council's Trading Standards and Licensing Officer Rachael Readman (second right).

Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “This is one of a number of safety initiatives relating to Hartlepool’s night-time economy, and together they aim to ensure a night out in Hartlepool continues to be a safe, pleasant and enjoyable experience.

“We are grateful for the UKSPF funding which is enabling us to provide town centre premises with free access to Licensing SAVI, and I would encourage businesses in the area to embrace the initiative.

“It enables premises to market themselves as destinations which prioritise the safety of customers and staff – potentially giving them a competitive edge.”

Licensing SAVI has been developed at the request of the Home Office by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (CPI), a police-owned organisation that works on behalf of the police service nationally. It enables premises to gain a star rating that shows the public the efforts they have made to enhance safety and security.