What is the Public Safety licensing objective?

The Public Safety licensing objective is one of the four key objectives set out under the Licensing Act 2003 in England and Wales. These objectives form the foundation of the licensing system and guide the decisions made by licensing authorities when granting, reviewing, or imposing conditions on licenses for premises that sell alcohol, provide regulated entertainment, or offer late-night refreshment.

Public Safety Licensing Objective Explained:

Licensing Professionals have compiled this guide to ensure that you have an understanding of this objective. The Public Safety objective is focused on ensuring that premises operate in a manner that protects the safety of everyone on the premises, including patrons, staff, and visitors. This involves minimizing the risk of accidents, injuries, or other safety hazards.

Key Aspects of the Public Safety Objective:

Capacity Limits:
- Managing Crowds: Ensuring that the premises do not become overcrowded, which can lead to accidents or hinder safe evacuation in an emergency.
- Setting Capacity: Licensing authorities may impose specific capacity limits based on the size and layout of the premises to ensure that it can be safely managed.
Structural Safety:
- Building Integrity: Ensuring that the premises are structurally sound, including the condition of floors, ceilings, staircases, and exits.
- Fire Safety Measures: Compliance with fire safety regulations, including the presence of fire alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and clear evacuation routes.
Safe Equipment and Facilities:
- Safe Use of Equipment: Ensuring that all equipment, such as electrical systems, kitchen appliances, and entertainment devices, are properly maintained and used safely.
- Sanitary Facilities: Adequate and well-maintained toilets and other sanitary facilities to prevent health hazards.
Risk Assessments:
- Regular Assessments: Conducting regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards to public safety, such as slips, trips, falls, and fire risks.
- Action Plans: Implementing and regularly reviewing action plans to address identified risks.
Staff Training:
- Safety Training: Ensuring that staff are trained in safety procedures, including how to respond to emergencies such as fires or medical incidents.
- Handling Intoxicated Patrons: Training staff to manage situations involving intoxicated patrons, which can pose a risk to public safety.
Emergency Procedures:
- Evacuation Plans: Having clear, well-practiced evacuation plans in case of fire, bomb threats, or other emergencies.
- First Aid: Providing first aid equipment and ensuring that staff are trained in basic first aid.
Security Measures:
- CCTV and Surveillance: Using CCTV to monitor the premises and deter criminal activity that could jeopardize public safety.
- Door Supervisors: Employing trained and licensed door supervisors to manage entry, control crowd behavior, and deal with any incidents that could compromise safety.
Compliance with Legal Requirements:
- Health and Safety Legislation: Adhering to all relevant health and safety laws, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- Licensing Conditions: Ensuring compliance with any conditions attached to the premises license that relate to public safety, such as specific operating hours, safety measures, or restrictions on the use of certain equipment.

Importance of the Public Safety Objective:

The Public Safety objective is crucial for protecting the well-being of individuals on licensed premises. By ensuring that venues operate safely, this objective helps to prevent accidents and injuries, maintain order, and provide a secure environment for all who visit or work at these establishments. It also reassures the public that licensed premises are managed responsibly and that their safety is a top priority.