Industry bodies warn on violence in pubs

Pub and club owners have been urged to identify the causes of violence on their premises by industry trade bodies to protect employees.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and the Bar Entertainment and Dance Association (BEDA) have teamed up to publish a guide entitled: Managing Safety in Bars, Pubs and Clubs.

The guide warns that licensees and operators should identify potential risk factors, including social tensions and rivalry (both sporting and territorial disputes), frustration at waiting to be served and over-crowding.

Preventative measures including changing the design and lay-out of the premises, increasing staff awareness through training and even considering the use of polycarbonate vessels instead of glasses.

BBPA director of communications, Mark Hastings, said: "There is no doubt that effective solutions to the problems of safety and risk lie in good management in pubs and clubs.

"As far as glassware is concerned, in its alcohol strategy, the Government has clearly stated its own preference for a targeted approach. This we strongly support, and our risk assessment reflects this. It should be a valuable tool for licensees."

Paul Smith, executive director of BEDA, added: "We feel at BEDA that it is vital to have an easy to use guide to be able risk assess a premises. This document aims to do just that."

Managing Safety in Bars, Pubs and Clubs guide in full >>

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By Christopher Walton

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