Weymouth & Portland Borough Council has been working closely with Dorset Police and Pub Watch to introduce a range of initiatives designed to tackle violent crime and make Weymouth’s Night-Time Economy (NTE) a safe experience for all.
Initiatives include the introduction of a NTE multi-agency group to consider trends and identify opportunities for improvement, and a successful launch of the national accreditation scheme, Best Bar None which raises standards across the licensed trade.
There has also been enhanced policing during peak times via the Safer Neighbourhood Team staff to seek early intervention opportunities. A voluntary reduction in licensing hours from 24 hour to generally 4am on week days and 5am on weekends, and public holidays has also been introduced.
Inspector Pete Browning, Dorset Police said:
“The police do not currently support the application for either an Early Morning Restriction Order or Late Night Levy at this time.
“The preferred option is for the police and licensing to continue working together with the licensing trade to promote professional working practices through the enforcement of existing licensing laws where appropriate.”
The presence of the Business Improvement District already supports a number of town centre initiatives including the aforementioned Best Bar None scheme.
Cllr Francis Drake, Community Safety Briefholder for Weymouth & Portland Borough Council added:
“We are continuing to engage with the licensed premises and target those that are either identified as problem ‘hotspots’ or do not contribute to the overall objectives of making Weymouth a safe place for residents and visitors alike.
“A number of multi-agency initiatives have commenced during 2014/15 and voluntary agreements put in place to reduce the licensing hours and associated problems. This remains the preferred means of reducing any issues directly associated with the Night-Time Economy.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have been actively involved in promoting the various initiatives, including the street pastors who provide an invaluable service by helping those in need during and after a night-out in the town.”
