Suffolk police support licensing week

Suffolk Constabulary and its partners are supporting national licensing week from 10 to 16 June to boost confidence in the night-time economy across the county.

Licensing affects a wide variety of services, including late night take aways, restaurants, taxis, casinos, betting shops, off-licenses and even supermarkets and the Police want to play their part in making Suffolk a safer place to live, work, travel and invest.  

The police’s licensing team can assist in reducing frontline demand by working with venues, the licensing authority and other community partners to hold venues to account, add conditions to their licenses and, if necessary, look to get licenses suspended or revoked.

During the week, officers will visit a number of premises around the county to discuss issues around crime and disorder and to offer support and advice to ensure the licensees are taking action to reduce this in future.

Officers will also be running a proactive operation to tackle any potential drug usage at night time economy venues such as bars, pubs and clubs.

Sgt Steve Wright said: “Everyone has the right to enjoy a night out in a safe environment. We continue to work closely with local authorities and licensed premises to put in measures to reduce offending, reassure the public and support the night-time economy industry.

“With the Euro 24 football tournament starting later this week on Friday and lots of supporters viewing the games in licenced premises over the next month or so, it’s really important premises that are showing them do so with all the necessary paperwork and support measures to accommodate large numbers of people are in place to keep their customers safe.”

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “The entertainment, hospitality and transport businesses are really significant components of our local economy. Supporting well run licensing procedures in Suffolk helps keep people safe and sound in these and other sectors which is a top priority for us all.

“Many residents probably do not realise the fundamental role licensing has in society which is why I welcome the opportunity to highlight the good and necessary work carried out on our behalf for which we should all be very grateful.”