Popworld recognised in police safety initiative

Popworld nightclub has become the first licensed venue in Hertfordshire to receive a 5-star accreditation for a National Policing Award for Safety.

The Bull Plain nightclub achieved this accolade after successfully taking part in a pioneering, police-led initiative to improve the safety and security of its premises for the benefit of staff, customers, and local communities.

The Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI) is an online self-assessment that brings together all the information that licensed premises need to comply with the requirements of local police and council licensing teams. The process results in a star rating for venues taking part.

Alicia Brown, General Manager at Popworld, Hertford said: "Everyone should feel safe and at ease when they enjoy the nightlife in Hertford. The Licensing SAVI 5-star accreditation being awarded is a big stride forward for us in achieving great safety levels in our venue. The well-being of our team and guests is our upmost priority, which means everyone can enjoy a Popworld Party. I would like to thank the Police Crime Prevention Initiatives organisation, for recognising our efforts to keep our guests always feeling welcome and safe, as well as our fantastic guests who make managing this venue so worthwhile."

Hertford Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Nathan Howson said: "Everyone has the right to enjoy a night out without fearing for their safety and we work closely with our licensed premises to ensure that this is the case. The Licensing SAVI scheme forms part of the wider work we're doing around the night-time economy, and I'm pleased that a number of venues are signing up, with Popworld already achieving the highest accreditation.

"East Herts is the first area of the county to adopt Licensing SAVI, but this is something that we hope to introduce across Hertfordshire in the coming months."