Casino Rooms become first Kent venue to achieve a National Policing Award for safety

Based in the centre of historic Rochester in Kent, Casino Rooms achieved this accolade after successfully taking part in a pioneering, police-led initiative to improve the safety and security of its premises for the benefit of staff, customers, and local communities.

Available as an on-line self-assessment, Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI) brings together, for the first time, all the information that licensed premises need to comply with the requirements of local police and council licensing teams, achieve a star-rating and have the opportunity to apply for Licensing SAVI accreditation and an award.

Initially established in 1992 as a Cabaret Club which saw international celebrities, comedians and musical acts perform over the years, Casino Rooms has evolved over time and now boasts a popular nightclub, holds one of only two licenses in Kent for a high-end Gentlemen’s’ Club and Lounge, and also features a multi-purpose private hire space which is regularly used for a variety of events, such as Bongo’s Bingo, Charity Boxing, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts shows and Live Music events to name but a few. Historically, the venue has also hosted the globally prestigious PDC World Darts.

The popular nightclub venue was keen to become an early adopter of the Licensing SAVI scheme and found the self-assessment questions to be practical and thought-provoking.

Aaron Stone, manager of Casino Rooms, commented on the quality of the assessment: “I thought I would get it done in 10 minutes, but I was wrong! It was very in depth and shows that whoever wrote it has a deep understanding of the industry on a practical level. I found that the process provoked a very introspective view of all that we already do, and this will in turn lead us to be able to make even greater improvements.

Mark Morgan, Business Manager, Licensing SAVI, said: “I’m delighted to have our first accredited venue in Kent, as use of Licensing SAVI increases around the country. I’m particularly pleased with the feedback from Aaron who highlights the practical benefits and learning which will contribute to safety and security at their venue.”

Licensing SAVI was developed at the request of the Home Office by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), which works alongside the Police Service to deter and reduce crime. As well as provide safer and more secure venues for managers, staff, customers, and local communities, it also seeks to reduce demand on Police Forces, NHS Ambulance Services and Accident & Emergency Departments.

A YouGov survey of 5,050 adults aged 18-45 in England and Wales commissioned by Police CPI between 16 August – 5 September this year, found that 79% of adults agreed with the statement that ‘recent publicity around the safety of women and girls has made it more important for licensed premises to improve their safety procedures’.

The research also found that support for improved safety in venues is greatest among women – with 83% of women wanting improved safety in nightclubs compared to 75% of men; and 81% of women wanting safer bars and pubs compared to 70% of men.

On 15 October, Licensing SAVI was launched to 300 licensed venues across Bradford, Calderdale, Wakefield and Kirklees in West Yorkshire in a move funded by the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit in partnership with the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.

Licensing SAVI covers critical issues like responsible drinking, drugs misuse, violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers through to preventing opportunist theft and improving physical security, such as lighting and CCTV.

It also covers drink spiking and the use of date rape drugs, which have hit national headlines in the last few days with a number of victims from around the country saying they have been injected with drugs.

Most measures included in Licensing SAVI can be introduced quickly and at little or no cost.

The first police award of its kind, Licensing SAVI aims to support the licensing trade and is backed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Project Servator, a police-led vigilance scheme to deter terrorist attacks at crowded-places.

Contact:
Casino Rooms
Tel: 01634 832888
Email:
Address: Blue Boar Lane, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1PD
Web: https://www.casinoroomsnightclub.net/

For further information visit:
Licensing SAVI:
Email:
Web: https://licensingsavi.com