Women's safety prioritised in Reading's night-time economy
Council's new licensing policy will insist on businesses demonstrating they can protect women and girls
Women’s safety is to be a key consideration when determining future decisions on Reading’s night-time economy.
A specific section on vulnerability and violence against women and girls in Reading’s late-night economy has been included as a key element within the renewed Licensing Policy for Reading.
While Council’s Licensing department intends to keep the prevalence, prevention and reporting of sexual harassment and misconduct under continual review, businesses are expected to develop their own harm-reduction policy, particularly at premises where incidents of physical and sexual violence are most frequently reported. They should include sufficient measures to protect and provide support to customers in spiking, coercive control and other incidents involving women or girls.
Regular taxi and private hire enforcement to reduce risks to public safety would continue, as would partnership working with Thames Valley Police, Reading’s PubWatch, Reading’s Business Improvement District and Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency, amongst others.
Karen Rowland, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Community Safety, said:
“Reading boasts a vibrant, lively night-time economy which people come from many miles around to enjoy, but we all have a responsibility to every single woman or girl to ensure we do everything possible to make our town a safe place in which to enjoy a night out.
“That is a joint responsibility shared among the Council and its partners, including the late-night bars, restaurants and entertainment venues that make-up our vibrant and attractive scene. The Council’s new updated Licensing Policy further reiterates those standards that we expect from businesses and new applicants going forward in this area, with the introduction of a specific section on vulnerability and violence against women and girls.
“The rise in instances of spiked drinks or welfare calls to police is by no means unique to Reading, but by putting in place new policies locally and working with partners we can make a difference to the night-time operation of our premised businesses and look to reverse that increase in Reading.”
The Licensing Policy is a key document for the regulation of the night-time economy within Reading. It clearly outlines what the Council expects of applicants and licence holders and relates to all premises licences (pubs and clubs), late night refreshment, and regulated entertainment venues in Reading, including those operated by the Council itself.
The licensing framework must centre around the four licensing objectives:
To prevent crime and disorder
To protect children from harm
To prevent public nuisance
To maintain public safety