Publicans trained in protecting children from sexual exploitation and 'county lines'

By Emily Hawkins

- Last updated on GMT

Protecting youth: Nottinghamshire publicans have received training on safeguarding vulnerable children (image: Nottinghamshire Police)
Protecting youth: Nottinghamshire publicans have received training on safeguarding vulnerable children (image: Nottinghamshire Police)

Related tags Licensing

Licensees in Nottinghamshire have received training on safeguarding children from child sexual exploitation and drug dealing.

The training was funded by Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Paddy Tipping, after a Local Alcohol Action Area programme​ received support for the second year running.

Similar training has been taking place across the county, with 200 staff in licensed sites having been trained so far.

“Safeguarding is everybody's business,” Nottinghamshire Police licensing enforcement officer Paul Horton said.

He added: “This awareness training is aimed at the licensed trade and covers safeguarding, child sexual exploitation and county lines issues.”

County lines refers to when gangs and organised crime networks exploit children to sell drugs.

Responsibility to safeguard

Horton said: “We all have a responsibility to safeguard customers in licensed premises and under the Licensing Act 2003, premise licence holders and designated premises supervisors have a legal responsibility to make sure this is done, particularly in relation to children and young people, and that they are protected from harm,” he said.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tipping added he was pleased to have been able to fund the training.

He explained: "Over the past few years, we have strengthened the work to tackle alcohol-related harm and I think we are seeing real progress.

"At the end of the day, people simply want to go out and enjoy themselves in safety. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to ensure that young people, particularly those who may be vulnerable, have a safe night out with access to support if needed and I believe that this training will help to prevent problems before they happen.”

Safe nights out

The initiative is being run until March next year and covers many of the county’s towns, including Broxtowe.

Broxtowe Borough Council licensing manager John Miley said the scheme would help publicans identify when vulnerable adults and children were at risk.

He said: "Licensing officers across the county are working in partnership with the police to deliver the training to licensees and staff of licensed premises.

"The training will assist them in recognising and dealing with the issues arising from safeguarding, both for adults and children.

"The licensing team at Broxtowe Borough Council is delighted to be at the forefront of delivering this training initiative. Feedback from those who have attended the training has been extremely positive and we look forward to ensuring that licensed premises in the borough and across the county are a safer place for all."

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