Spot safety checks were carried out at pubs and bars across Tameside in the run-up to the busy festive season.
Tameside Council public protection officers were joined by Greater Manchester Police on the evening of November 21 for Operation Nightsafe, which supports licensees while highlighting key safety messages and conducting compliance checks.
More than 40 premises across the borough were visited. All received posters, beer mats and other materials promoting the White Ribbon campaign, which encourages men to call out sexist comments and harassing behaviour to help tackle violence against women and girls.
Venues were also given posters for the Ask for Angela initiative – a national scheme that helps anyone feeling vulnerable on a night out discreetly access support from staff.
The teams checked a range of licensing, environmental health, fire safety and public safety matters. Most premises were found to be compliant, with any issues raised now being followed up.
Parking Services also carried out enforcement on vehicles breaching restrictions on Market Street in Stalybridge town centre as part of the operation. While Market Street retains several marked short-stay and loading-only bays for businesses, visitors are reminded the street is otherwise a no-parking zone, and enforcement will continue.
Tameside Council Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, Cllr Laura Boyle, said:
“This is a busy time of year for our nighttime 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 ensure premises are operating safely to help protect the public and also to reach the community with key safety messages. Thank you to everyone involved.”