Training designed to help keep customers of bars and pubs in Chippenham safe has been described as “hugely impressive” by Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson.

Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training shows staff working in licensed premises how to identify customers who may be vulnerable, with the aim of reducing violent crime, sexual offences and injuries linked to drugs and alcohol.

People heading off to the pub for a good night out might be healthy, confident, capable, and resilient. However, the actions of others, or the influence of alcohol or drugs, can turn things on their head and lead them to becoming more vulnerable and in need of extra care or support.

Staff were shown how to make appropriate interventions when supporting potentially vulnerable customers, were given a better awareness of what to look out for in terms of drink spiking and an understanding of the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, which is in place in many venues across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Licensing SAVI were also there to talk about their five-star “scores on the door” system, which allows businesses to assess the safety of their venues and gives them a rating out of five, so customers are aware of the work that’s been done to ensure staff are trained and premises have taken all necessary steps to make them safe.

The half-day course, which is run by the Safer Business Network, was attended by the following venues:

• The Brunel
• Chippenham Town Football Club
• Grounded
• Rivo Lounge
• The Pheasant
• The Three Crowns
• The Waverley

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson observed the delivery of the WAVE training:

“I’m hugely impressed by the training provided by the Safer Business Network and the commitment shown by the venues who signed up to take part.

“It shows they take the safety of their customers seriously and want to create a safer night out for everyone in Chippenham.

“Our residents should expect to be able to enjoy an evening out without feeling harassed, intimidated or worried about the possibility of their drinks being spiked.

“I’d like to see more staff across Wiltshire and Swindon sign up to these sessions, and the free e-learning courses, so people can have the confidence in the fact that their safety is of paramount importance to the places they visit.”

The training sits within the Police and Crime Commissioner's priority to create safer streets in Wiltshire, which has already seen Home Office money invested to fund night-time economy wardens in Trowbridge and Salisbury on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as providing funding for four deployable CCTV cameras in Salisbury, additional CCTV in Chippenham town centre and improved lighting and CCTV in Swindon.

Amanda Baker is the General Manager of The Pheasant and is the chair of Chippenham Pubwatch:

“I think it’s important that our customers feel safe and secure, so that we build confidence within the local community to people are coming into venues feeling safe, feeling comfortable and feeling that they can ask for help using things such as “Ask For Angela” if needs be.

“As a parent of three daughters, I think it’s really important that our children feel safe when they’re out in Chippenham town centre, or anywhere really.

“The training is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, so it’s free and there is no reason why our venues shouldn’t get involved. As chair of Chippenham Pubwatch, I’ve tried to encourage as many venues as possible to take up the training.”   

Published Saturday 25 January 2025