Fourth Safety Thirst Awards launched

The fourth annual Safety Thirst Awards scheme, which encourages the City’s pubs and clubs to achieve high standards of safety and security for their patrons, launched today (9 June).

Whilst crime numbers are relatively low, the City does face incidents of alcohol-related crime. This year’s scheme recognises the increase in the night-time economy in the City of London and aims to ensure that licensed premises are fully up-to-date with the high standards that the City expects from them.

To combat the problem of alcohol-related crime, the awards encourage and support pubs and clubs to achieve the highest possible standards and to minimise any impact on their neighbours.  It recognises initiatives such as providing approved mini-cab numbers to stop customers using unlicensed cabs; ensuring premises are well-lit, well-staffed and patrolled; having well-trained door and bar staff, and stopping cheap alcohol promotions that can encourage binge drinking.

The Safety Thirst Awards are a joint venture between the City of London Corporation, City of London Police and the London Fire Service - a partnership aimed to reduce crime and disorder in the City. 

A record number of licensed premises qualified for last year’s awards, with 145 bars and clubs having qualified to join the scheme.

A new Highly Commended category accredited three premises that have excelled in the provision of a safe environment, which assists in the reduction of crime, illegal drug use and anti-social behaviour. These establishments are the Kings Arms on Camomile Street, Paternoster on Newgate Street and The Cockpit on St Andrews Hill.

Award winners were invited to a ceremony at the Guildhall where their success was recognised by Commissioner of the City of London Police, Mike Bowron and Chairman of the Licensing Committee, Alderman Simon Walsh.

The Safety Thirst Scheme is open to all pubs and clubs operating in the City of London.  For an application form, please call 0207 332 3009.