IT’S a busy time of year, of course, for people enjoying the festivities out and about with family, friends and work colleagues.
Hospitality venues are helping to spread the word about important messages to keep people safe in the run-up to the festive season.
Tameside pubs and bars have received anti-drink spiking devices and bleed control kits, as part of Operation Nightsafe visits.
The operation last week – led by Tameside Council licensing officers, working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police – aimed to support licensees in the lead-up to Christmas, while also highlighting key safety messages and conducting compliance checks.
Across the borough, over 100 premises were visited – all of which received posters, beer mats and other materials.
They highlighted the White Ribbon campaign encouraging men to stand together against violence against women and girls, and the national Ask for Angela scheme that helps anyone feeling vulnerable on a night out to get the support they need.
Venues deemed to be high risk were also supplied with anti-spiking devices and bleed control kits.
This week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated plans to make spiking a ‘criminal offence’ as he laid out plans for venue staff to be trained in how to deal with these incidents.
Officers also carried out checks to ensure premises were operating under the terms of their licenses.
The council says most premises were found to be compliant, with any issues raised being followed up – such as one venue where the licence had lapsed.
Councillor Laura Boyle, Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, who joined the visits, said: “This is a busy time of year for our night-time economy – there will be thousands of Tameside residents visiting local pubs and bars in the run up to Christmas.
“It’s great to be working closely with local businesses and our partners to reach local people with key safety messages and also to ensure premises are operating safely and within their licensing conditions to help protect the public. Thank you to everyone involved.”