The City has raised a glass to the local watering holes helping to make sure Square Mile drinkers booze responsibly.
The good stuff has for centuries poured into pint and wine glasses in the City, but a newer concept is the recognition of licensed premises that go the extra mile to reduce alcohol-related crime.
The Safety Thirst Awards were introduced in 2006, and for more than a decade have hailed the work of bars, clubs, restaurants, events venues, and pubs promoting high standards in reducing crime and antisocial behaviour while also helping to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for people to socialise and enjoy the City.
More than 50 applications were received for this year’s edition of the accolades, with Queen Street’s Core Bar and Revolution Leadenhall both being named overall winners.
“These licensed premises are clearly dedicated to ensuring that the Square Mile maintains its reputation as a world class destination in which to work and play,” said chairman of the Corporation’s licensing committee, Peter Dunphy.
“They are leading examples of how licensed premises should be run and I hope this encourages more venues to come forward and join the scheme.”
Run in partnership by the City Corporation, City of London Police, and the London Fire Brigade, the scheme is open to all 800 licensed premises that call the Square Mile home.
All applicants are issued with a toolkit designed to help them meet the criteria for an award in one of three categories – Pass, Commended, and Highly Commended.
Every premises that puts its name forward also receives the option of one to-one advice from either a licensing officer or a member of the City of London Police licensing team.
And as a further incentive all those that receive an award are eligible for a 30% discount on the Late Night Levy, which funds the management of the local night-time economy.
Assistant superintendent Hector McKoy passed on his praise to all those striving to make the City a safer place.
“We’d like to congratulate all of the award winners, and nominees, for their hard work in reducing alcohol-related crime and disorder. Our aim is to ensure the public can enjoy all the City has to offer and feel safe when visiting our pubs, clubs and bars.
“It’s fantastic that we can rely on our local business community to help us achieve this aim, and we want to remind everyone to do everything they can to stay safe and secure in the run-up to the festive season.”
