Dorset's Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative - Helping Business to provide a safer and more secure environment for our residents

Businesses across the county are being urged to sign up to Dorset's Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI), which has been set up to help licensed premises provide a safer and more secure environment for managers, staff, customers and local communities.

Developed by the Home Office and backed by the National Police Chiefs' Council, the scheme ensures licensed premises are aware of and meet the safety and security standards required by local authority and police licensing teams.

Available as an online assessment, it covers effective management practices and operational security, including:

* Safeguarding vulnerable customers

* Preventing violent behaviour

* Responsible drinking

* Preventing opportunist theft

* Preventing drugs misuse

* Improving physical security, such as emergency exits, lighting and CCTV.

Research by You Gov of more than 5,000 adults aged between 18-45 found that:

* 79% of adults agreed that recent publicity about the safety of women and girls have made it more important for licensed premises to improve their safety procedure.

* 39% of adults felt they would be more likely to visit a bar/pub or nightclub if they felt safer.

* 32% of adults would more likely visit a bar/pub or nightclub if it had a Police Safety Award.

The initiative, which was launched at an event in Weymouth last month, is part of the Safer Streets Fund, in which Dorset received £784,055 from the Home Office for projects which focus on tackling crime in our rural communities and the safety of women and girls.

Councillor Gill Taylor, Cabinet Member for Health and Housing, welcomed the initiative: "Licensing SAVI is a fantastic initiative which encourages venues to look more closely at their safety and security policies and procedures. It also provides definitive information on management practices to improve the safety and security of venues. Many safety measures can be introduced quickly, providing protection and support for our residents and visitors to the area, ensuring that women and girls can feel safe."

David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I am delighted to have secured funding to enable Dorset Council to put this important measure in place.

"Initiatives such as Licensing SAVI are a vital step towards proving to women and girls that we take their safety seriously and are taking action to ensure they not only feel safe but are safe when out in our towns.

"I am determined that by working together with agencies and partners across the county, we can make Dorset the safest place."