Police and partners work together to make Bridgend licensed premises safe
Date Published: 07/08/2012
Police and partner agencies in Bridgend are continuing to target pubs and clubs to ensure visitors to the town have a safe night out.
Visits are being conducted by officers from South Wales Police, the Fire Service, BCBC Licensing Authority and Trading Standards to ensure licence conditions are being adhered to and to provide a highly visible presence in the town centre.
Seven licensed premises were recently visited in Bridgend and a number of minor licensing offences were found.
Trading Standards also visited 2 premises in Pencoed to educate licensees on underage alcohol sales and proxy sales. Advice packs were issued along with leaflets concerning the offences of such sales.
The activity comes as part of the CounterAct traffic light scheme, which sees partnerships coming together to promote a safe approach to alcohol in the borough’s pubs and clubs.
Businesses with a green light reflect a well managed venue, whereas a red premises suggests there may be issues of concern.
An action and improvement plan will be agreed with any licence holder in the red zone to make it a safer and more responsible place to drink.
It is hoped that CounterAct will help recognise good practice as well as identify problem areas at an early stage so that premises can avoid long-term alcohol-related crime issues.
Andrew Leach, Watch Manager from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Fire Safety Officers examined fire precautions at licensed premises in the town and identified areas where improvements could be made.
“It was reassuring to discover that generally the fire safety standards were at a reasonable level and were being effectively maintained. With the safety of the public being our greatest concern, these visits prove invaluable in maintaining the safety precautions required in licensed premises”.
Sergeant Claire Lamerton, who led on the most recent activity, said: “Our operations are aimed at promoting a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for people to be out socialising and enjoying themselves in Bridgend town centre.
“It is important that licensees support our partnership activities and I am pleased to say that the vast majority do take their responsibilities extremely seriously and work with us in order to keep Bridgend safe”.