Tough time: 'this ground-breaking, multi-agency initiative will offer licensed premises a way of demonstrating that they comply with rigorous standards,' Nottinghamshire police and crime commissioner, Paddy Tipping, said
Nottingham’s night spots will receive mystery visits as well as social media and review site checks under the city’s new Covid-19 Aware Nightlife Accreditation Scheme.
Claimed to be a UK first, it’s hoped that the scheme will pave the way for the city’s late-night venues to demonstrate their compliance with Covid-secure measures and reopen safely where they haven’t already done so.
The Covid-19 Aware Nightlife Accreditation Scheme will review venues based on risk assessments that meet Government guidelines, appropriate staff training, clear customer management via visible messaging, and customer experience.
Launched by The Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Nottinghamshire Police and Night Time Economy Solutions, it will be trialled across selected venues before a city-wide rollout.
“It is important for us to create a safe and welcoming city centre environment to reassure people that Nottingham is a safe place to visit and that they can enjoy a better night out,” Lucy Stanford, manager of Nottingham BID commented.
“Partnership working is key to delivering a better Nottingham and we look forward to working with the team at Night Time Economy Solutions to put Nottingham on the map as a leading city with scheme of this kind.”
A number of pubs in the city are poised to trial the scheme including the Pub People Company’s Nottingham venues and Castle Rock Brewery’s Barley Twist, Vat and Fiddle, Canal House, Fox and Grapes, Kean's Head, Lincolnshire Poacher, Newshouse, and Yarn sites.
According to figures from the British Beer & Pub Association, there are 214 pubs in Nottingham providing employment for in excess of 4,500 people
Demonstrate Covid compliance
The launch of Nottingham’s accreditation scheme comes as industry experts forecast “systematic closure” and widespread job losses across the UK’s night-time economy.
As previously reported by The Morning Advertiser (The MA), the night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, Sacha Lord, has called on the Government to issue a sector-specific support package to prevent mass job losses this winter.
What’s more, owner and CEO of nightclub business G-A-Y, Jeremy Joseph, has launched a legal challenge to the Government’s 10pm national curfew on hospitality venues.
“Nottingham’s night-time economy has had a tough time over the last few months,” Nottinghamshire police and crime commissioner, Paddy Tipping, said.
“This ground-breaking, multi-agency initiative will offer licensed premises a way of demonstrating that they comply with rigorous standards; reassuring the public they can relax and enjoy a safe night out, and reducing the need for the police and partners to undertake enforcement activity.”
Chief Inspector Kathryn Craner of Nottinghamshire Police added: “We welcome initiatives which help our licensed premises achieve the highest standards.
“We want people to come and enjoy their time in Nottingham city centre safely and for them to have the confidence that pubs and bars are complying with the guidelines and legislation.
“We will continue to ensure licensed premises are operating in compliance with the Licensing Act as well as the Government guidance and legislation relating to Covid-19.”
Ongoing commitment
Venues will also receive marketing material, such as web banners, printable posters and text for their websites, social media and menus to showcase their accreditation.
What’s more, any operators who feel that they do not yet meet the required standard are eligible for a one hour of remote mentoring session through Night Time Economy Solutions, with a dedicated phone line and email available for further queries.
“I am a passionate supporter of Nottingham’s nightlife,” Joanne Cox-Brown, director of Night Time Economy Solutions, added. “We listened to venue operators who said that they wanted to do more to ensure that they could demonstrate their commitment to Covid-19 safety – both for their teams and customers.
“I worked with my team and businesses in the night time economy to design this cutting edge Covid-19 Aware Accreditation scheme and I am delighted that Nottingham, my home town, will be the first city in the UK to launch it – demonstrating their ongoing commitment to innovative night-time management and support for businesses.”
