Barnstaple's evening and nighttime economy

Description

Barnstaple's evening and nighttime economy (ENTE)

Stamp out Spiking training

Anti-drink spike training will be provided to frontline staff including street pastors, taxi drivers, bar staff, managers of licenced premises, door staff and other people associated with night-time economy.

The training includes how to conduct risk assessments of venues and create safeguarding policies; methods to avoid occurrences of drink spiking; methods to prevent re-occurrence, and how to safeguard those who fall victim to drink spiking in establishments or in taxis.

This training will help educate the community on how to prevent and safeguard against drink spiking.

This, in turn, will lead to a reduction in crimes associated with drink spiking such as assault, rape and theft.

Licenced Premises Accreditation Scheme

A licenced premises scheme is set to be introduced in 2023. The scheme will improve standards across the ENTE and help provide a safer night out for all.

It will provide training for those working in ENTE and certify the businesses that are exceeding standards.

Taxi and private hire safeguarding training

All taxi and private hire drivers in the district will take part in safeguarding training.

The training includes an understanding of what safeguarding is and responsibilities; awareness of different forms of exploitation such as human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and modern slavery; recognising the signs of exploitation and abuse, and knowing who to contact if a safeguarding issue is suspected.

Enhanced Regulation of Taxi and private hire vehicles, drivers and operators

The safety and people’s feelings of safety whilst using taxis to enter and leave ENTE is vital.

A series of mystery shopping exercises will be conducted to reinforce and support safety and operating standards, as well informing future training working requirements.

Enhanced Regulation of Licenced Premises

An increased level of inspections will be carried out under the Licensing Act 2003, going above existing requirements, in order to build feelings of safety in the use of the ENTE in Barnstaple.

This will include, licensed nightclubs, pubs, bars, off licences and late night refreshment premises.

Street Marshall Provision

Street Marshalls will be deployed in the streets surrounding key late night venues in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings to help ensure customers get home safely.

Additional Street Pastors

Barnstaple Street Pastors have been operating on Saturday nights since 2009, providing practical and emotional support to vulnerable people on the streets during ENTE.

Training and equipment will be provided for nine new pastors. In addition, the pastors will set up a new safe space in a town centre church every Saturday night.