Safety at Night Charter features at National Pubwatch Conference

Some of the UK's biggest pub chains have been hearing about a new scheme in Wiltshire designed to improve safety in the night-time economy.

Wiltshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable David Minty was a keynote speaker at today's (Tuesday March 7) National Pubwatch Conference in Swindon where he talked about the Safety At Night Charter, which was launched last December.

The Charter is aimed at any organisation, establishment or venue which operates in the evening and night-time economy including cinemas, gyms, theatres, public transport operators, sport venues and more.

By voluntarily signing the charter, businesses agree to proactively tackle the issue of safety within the night-time economy and are supported by their local PCSOs, safeguarding partnerships, Wiltshire Police and their local authority licensing officers.

As part of his speech, Assistant Chief Constable Minty spoke about the importance of partnership working in relation to keeping people safe in the night time economy and highlighted the role businesses had to play.

ACC Minty said:

I'm pleased to have been given the chance to speak to some of the biggest pub chains in the country today such as Wetherspoons, Fullers and Stonegate to show them the benefits of our Safety at Night Charter.

"Feeling safe on a night out is something that should be a given for anyone going to bars and restaurants in Wiltshire and Swindon, so to see a venue with a Safer Nights sticker in the window provides people with the peace of mind that they're in a place which has taken the extra steps to give them the best experience possible.

"So far, over fifty night time economy businesses have signed up to the Charter and I hope that after hearing how being part of the scheme can benefit pubs and restaurants, more will be encouraged to follow suit"

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, developed the charter in partnership with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council after survey results revealed that just 3% of people felt safe when out and about at night.

The Safety at Night Charter, which is helping to deliver https://www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk/your-pcc/police-and-crime-plan-2022--2025/, is not just limited to bars, pubs and restaurants – it is for any organisation, establishment or venue which operates in the evening and night-time economy including cinemas, gyms, theatres, public transport operators, sport venues and more.

Once signed-up to the charter, businesses will be supported by their local PCSO’s, safeguarding partnerships, Wiltshire Police and their local authority licensing officers.

Published Tuesday 7 March 2023