Agenda item

To consider a report on this topic which was included on the scrutiny work programme for 2023-2024.

Further to discussions at the recent initial tri-partite meeting regarding this scrutiny topic suggestion, and following a subsequent request by the Chair, a report was presented to the Committee which highlighted the following:

• Background: In August 2023, a jointly commissioned Cleveland-wide problem profile of understanding violence in the night-time economy was undertaken by Crest Advisory (which could be shared with the Committee following this meeting), a think-tank who were experts in areas such as justice, policing and public safety.  The report highlighted a number of key findings which were relevant to consider in the context of staff safety in the night-time economy, although the safety of staff working within the night-time economy did not feature as an area of specific concern within the findings, despite those working in the night-time economy contributing to the report itself.  The profile also made clear that there was a lack of available baseline data regarding staff safety in the night-time economy.

• Current Measures: National Pubwatch was a voluntary organisation set up to promote best practice through supporting the work of local Pubwatch schemes.  Its aim was to achieve a safer drinking environment in all licensed premises throughout the UK.  The basic principle of Pubwatch was that its licensee members would agree to work together to improve the safety of their premises, for the benefit of their staff and customers.  It was also a means to discharge a part of a licensee’s health and safety responsibility to their staff and customers.

Incidents that occur within all the Borough’s town centres, including in the night-time economy, feature in the established Joint Action Group (JAG) which was made up of key partners across Stockton-on-Tees, including Cleveland Police.  Data in relation to incidents, emerging trends, intelligence and feedback were monitored on a regular basis and appropriate actions taken to address problems.  Over the past several years, there had been no recorded issues or concerns raised in relation to staff safety in the night-time economy – in addition, incidents involving staff were not recorded separately and therefore baseline information on the extent of this issue was not available.  However, the JAG, and the work of CURV (Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence), ensures that key issues such as serious violence were closely monitored, and measures put in place could have secondary benefits to staff as well as visitors to the night time-economy.

In order to inform the development of the multi-agency approach to issues arising in the night-time economy, best practice from around the country was considered which can also be adopted here in Stockton-on-Tees.  This was co-ordinated via both Stockton Business Improvement District (BID) and also the wider Safer Stockton Partnership (SSP) which scrutinises both activity and results to ensure that the response was both efficient and impactful.

• Licensing: Licence holders should make provision to ensure that premises-users safely leave their premises.  Measures that may assist include providing information on the premises of local taxi companies who can provide safe transportation home and ensuring adequate lighting outside the premises, particularly on paths leading to and from the premises and in car parks.  However, transport to and from work is not a licensable activity and therefore cannot be considered as a condition attached to a licence and, as such, cannot be enforced.

• Conclusion: Discussions at the initial tri-partite for this scrutiny proposal led to the conclusion that there would be little to gain from carrying out a full review of this topic in insolation, especially given that regular updates on issues such as this could be provided to the Committee should it be requested.  As far as current activity goes, national guidance was being adopted, new initiatives to tackle emerging issues were being regularly put in place, and SBC was currently fully maximising its licensing activity to the extent that the current legislation allows.  As a result, it was recommended that the objectives outlined in the scrutiny review proposal could be met through the existing arrangements already in place as outlined in this report.

After considering the content of the report, the Committee agreed that an in-depth review of the Safety of Staff in the Night-Time Economy topic was not required, though did encourage the continued sharing of good practice (some of which had been identified as part of the early preparations for this topic) to reinforce responsible behaviour around safety within and around premises.  Members also felt that a future update on any developments in relation to this issue would be useful.

Reflecting on their own personal experience of working in the licensed trade for three decades, one Member emphasised their focus on ensuring the safety of staff whilst they were actually at work, and also stated that Pubwatch was only effective if all those involved stuck to its principles.  Reinforcing appropriate guidance to those who did not act as they should was encouraged.

AGREED that:

1)    the content of the Safety of Staff in the Night-Time Economy report be noted.

2) the objectives outlined in the original scrutiny topic suggestion be met through the existing arrangements already in place (as opposed to undertaking an in-depth scrutiny review).