DHP Family is leading the way on the introduction of Drinkaware Crew to help young people stay safe and reduce the harm that can result from a drunken night out.
Having worked with Drinkaware on a pilot at its iconic Rock City venue in Nottingham, (cap 2,500). DHP Family have been the one of the first venue operators to take up the initiative with Drinkaware Crew working in Rock City and Thekla, Bristol for the previous six months.
Julie Tippins, Head of Compliance, DHP Family said: “The project has been a really valuable exercise so far, it has not only helped our customers to remain safe but it has also freed up managers and security staff to keep the venue operation running effectively when they would have been otherwise tied up.
“We worked closely with Drinkaware on developing the scheme and this had led to us taking on our own staff, who have been working in two of our venues since October 2016. We’re delighted with the impact of Drinkaware Crew to date and are looking to roll it out to other venues in our portfolio.”
The scheme works best in late-night venues with 700+ capacity. An alcohol vulnerability awareness e-learning scheme aimed at smaller venues has also been developed by Drinkaware to train bar staff. DHP will be rolling out the e-learning to all its venues which covers how to spot alcohol-related vulnerability and harassment and offers practical advice for staff.
Alex Black, General Manager, Thekla, Bristol said: “We’ve had incredible feedback from other management and customers, we are definitely going to keep the Crew on board because it frees up time for management and security and increases the safety of our customers.”
“Hearing feedback from people that we’ve helped makes us feel really great about our jobs and we know we are making a difference,” Drinkaware Crew at Rock City, Nottingham.
Employed by the venue, Drinkaware Crew attend training endorsed by the British Institute of Innkeeping. Working in pairs, the crew wear branded uniforms to ensure they are easily spotted by vulnerable people seeking help which can include reuniting friends; helping people to taxis or providing comfort to customers in distress.
Chief Inspector Mark Stanley, Nottinghamshire Police, said: ”It’s great to see DHP leading on this initiative to help young people stay safe on a night out. From a policing perspective, we’ve already seen a positive impact since the launch of the scheme at Rock City where we’ve seen some great examples of crew intervening early to resolve matters adding to a more vibrant, safe venue, and I would strongly encourage other venue operators to consider coming on board too.”
Elaine Hindal, Drinkaware’s Chief Executive, said: “Drinkaware is committed to finding new and innovative ways to reduce the harms caused by alcohol and to help keep people safe on a night out.
“The Drinkaware Crew at Rock City and Thekla carry out a vital role in supporting vulnerable people whilst minimising the associated costs that drunken behaviour can have on the local night-time economy.
“Drinkaware’s innovative e-learning course, to help venue employees understand the wider risks associated with excessive drinking, is also part of a wider programme of Drinkaware initiatives and projects that that aim to help reduce the harmful effects of drunkenness on the night time economy, to the benefit of both industry and consumers.
“Drinkaware is delighted to be working with DHP to help their customers enjoy their night out safely and securely.”
The Drinkaware Crew has been recommended as best practice in the Government’s 2016 Modern Crime Prevention Strategy.