Guidance for License Holders - Safeguarding Children on Licensed Premises

Risk Management

The protection of children from harm as previously referred to is one of the four licensing objectives that underpin the Licensing Act 2003. Events aimed at attracting attendance by young people under 18, even though alcohol may not be available at the event, could involve some risk and should therefore be taken into account by licensees.

Mixed age events (where alcohol is available for sale to persons over 18 and those under 18 may also be in attendance at the event) significantly increase this potential risk. By events we do not mean general establishments that encourage, support and have a family friendly policy.

Clear management plans should be in place demonstrating how the license holder intends to control and mitigate the potential harm to individuals under 18 years of age attending these events, irrespective of whether alcohol is available or not.

Whilst every event should be assessed on its own merits the Licensing Authority, Police and SBC Children's Services strongly recommend that a code of conduct / policy for these events is adopted to ensure that the four Licensing Objectives are complied with, in particular the Protection of Children from Harm. Measures expected to be considered include;

Under 18 Only Events

The Police Licensing Officer, Licensing Authority and SBC Children's Services should be notified of any under 18 event at least 28 days in advance of the event. Such notification should be from the Premise License Holders or Designated Premise Supervisor, as they would be held accountable should the event undermine any of the licensing objectives.

Good practice requires:

• The premises to be covered by colour, digital CCTV which meets the requirements and expectations of the Licensing Authority and Police. The equipment to record whilst the event is being held on the premise, all recordings to be retained for a minimum period of 28 days and to be made available upon request to the Police or Licensing Authority within a period of 7 days.
• The operator to ensure that the premises have sufficient numbers of SIA registered security staff and ensuring that they are employed in the following minimum ratio: 2 for the first 100 customers, one of which being female, 2 for the second 100 customers and 1 for every 100 customers thereafter. At least one member of security staff being employed as a floorwalker and constantly monitoring patrons for evidence of alcohol or drugs and also protecting patrons from unwanted attention or harassment.
• Ensure efficient entry and dispersal procedures are in place so that young people are not left in a vulnerable position outside of the premises.
• Where there is normally a bar, ensuring that alcohol is not on display and is locked away.
• Ensuring that there is at least 1 hour between the conclusion of the youth event and the venue opening for the commencement of any adult entertainment.
• Searches on entry, to include all bags, to prevent alcohol and other illegal substances being brought onto the premises.
• Where alcohol is seized from persons aged under 18, the details to be recorded in a register.
• Any prior marketing of the event (internet, flyers, posters etc) to make it clear that no alcohol will be sold to under 18's, nobody who appears to be drunk or under the influence of any illegal substance will be allowed admission to the event and searches will take place to ensure that no alcohol is brought into the venue. Permissible ages for attendance at the event to be printed in prominent writing on any tickets issued for the event.
• Ensure a policy is in place for dealing with under 18's who appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol which incorporates the level   of duty of care expected to be provided.
• Toilet checks being carried out at regular intervals and records of such checks retained.
• First aid provision to be available at the premises.
• Ensure a policy is in place to prevent under aged persons leaving and returning to the premises in order to consume alcohol outside.
• Events should have a terminal hour of no later than 11.00 p.m.
• An area should be designated as a safe space, whereby ill or intoxicated persons, including minors, can be taken to a place of safety for medical treatment or in the case of minors until reunited with a parent, guardian or responsible adult.

Additional Measures expected to be considered for Mixed Age Events

• All patrons to be given a secure wristband of different colours, differentiating over 18's from under 18's.
• Only one alcoholic drink to be purchased at any one time by an individual aged over 18 years of age.
• At least 2 SIA registered security staff acting as floorwalkers to constantly monitor patrons aged under 18 years of age for evidence of alcohol or drugs and also to protect patrons from unwanted attention or harassment.
• Children under 16 years of age should not be permitted to attend the event unless accompanied by a responsible adult. Each responsible adult should not be responsible for more than 4 such children.
• All drinks to be served in plastic or polycarbonate glasses.

It must be stressed that the above measures are not considered to be an exhaustive list and licensees are encouraged to discuss the management of any such events in detail with the responsible authorities as part of their risk management process.