Oct 185 min read

What should a licensed premises dispersal policy contain?

What should a licensed premises dispersal policy contain?- A dispersal policy is a crucial document for any licensed premises, particularly those that operate late at night or in busy urban areas. The aim of a dispersal policy is to minimize disruption to the local community when customers leave the premises, reduce noise, prevent anti-social behavior, and ensure the safety of both patrons and local residents. Here’s a guide to what should be included in a dispersal policy for a licensed premises:

1. Introduction and Objectives

Purpose: The purpose of the dispersal policy is to manage the orderly and safe dispersal of customers from the premises to avoid disturbances, anti-social behavior, and noise complaints, especially late at night.
Legal Compliance: State that the policy is designed to ensure compliance with relevant licensing laws, public safety regulations, and any conditions set by local authorities.

2. Management of Customer Dispersal

Clear Communication with Patrons:
- Signage: Post signs at exits requesting that customers leave quietly and respect the neighbors.
- Verbal Reminders: Staff should politely remind customers to leave quietly, especially near closing time.
- Announcements: Use public address systems or music to remind customers that the venue is closing soon. Soft, mellow music can be played towards closing to encourage a calm departure.
Staggered Departure:
- Gradual Reduction of Services: You could reduce the level of service before closing time (e.g., slow down the bar service) to encourage gradual departure, preventing a large crowd exiting at once.
- Phased Closing: Consider gradually turning off the lights or music to encourage patrons to leave in smaller groups over a period of time.

3. Staff Training and Responsibilities

Training for Security and Staff: Ensure all staff, particularly door staff and managers, are trained on how to manage the dispersal of customers. This includes de-escalating conflicts and addressing potential anti-social behavior calmly and professionally.
Security Personnel:
- Monitoring Exits: Security staff should be positioned at exits to monitor patrons leaving, ensuring they do so in a calm and orderly fashion.
- Post-closure Patrols: Security personnel may be required to conduct brief patrols around the premises after closing time to ensure that customers have dispersed and there is no lingering loitering or disorder.
Appointed Dispersal Manager: Assign a member of staff or manager the role of overseeing dispersal each night, ensuring the policy is followed.

4. Managing External Areas

Queue Management: If there is a queue outside the venue before entry or re-entry (e.g., for smoking areas), security should manage the queue to ensure it does not cause obstruction or excessive noise.
Smoking Area: Ensure that designated smoking areas are clearly defined, well-managed, and not located near residential areas where possible. Smoking areas should be closed before final closing time to encourage customers to prepare for dispersal.
Loitering Prevention: Post signs discouraging customers from loitering outside the venue after closing time, and ensure that staff are aware of the need to direct customers away from the premises once they leave.

5. Transport Arrangements

Public Transport: Provide information about local public transport options (buses, trains, taxis) and their schedules to encourage customers to use them. This can be done with posters, digital screens, or verbal reminders.
Taxi Partnerships:
- Taxi Ranks: Ensure that there are adequate taxi ranks nearby, and inform patrons about them.
- Preferred Taxi Companies: Establish partnerships with local taxi firms to have taxis ready outside or nearby at closing time, to facilitate quick and quiet dispersal.
- Contactless Payment for Transport: Encourage customers to use contactless payment options, reducing the need for loitering or negotiating transport fares outside.
Private Hire and Rideshare: Designate a specific pickup point for private hire vehicles or rideshare services (e.g., Uber, Lyft) that is close enough to the venue but away from residential areas.

6. Noise Control Measures

Music Management:
- Gradually reduce music volume towards the end of the night to encourage a more relaxed and calm atmosphere as people prepare to leave.
- Cease music before closing time to signal to customers that the premises are shutting down.
Control of Outside Noise: Ensure that doors and windows remain closed during dispersal to prevent noise from escaping and disturbing nearby residents.
Engine and Horn Noise: Encourage taxi and rideshare drivers to switch off their engines and avoid honking while waiting for passengers.

7. Prevention of Anti-Social Behavior

Handling Intoxicated Patrons: Staff and security should be trained to identify and assist intoxicated patrons. They should aim to disperse intoxicated individuals in a manner that minimizes disturbance, such as calling a taxi for them.
De-escalation: Staff and security should be trained in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to manage any potential arguments or fights that may occur as patrons leave.
Collaborating with Local Police: In areas prone to high levels of anti-social behavior, work with local police to ensure that there is a presence or a quick response plan for potential incidents.

8. Communication with Local Authorities and Residents

Resident Liaison: Appoint a staff member responsible for communicating with local residents to handle any complaints or issues. This person can help maintain good relations and address any concerns about noise or disturbances.
Local Licensing Authority: Ensure the dispersal policy aligns with conditions set by local licensing authorities. Regularly review the policy in line with local council guidelines, especially if dispersal issues have led to complaints or enforcement action.
Feedback System: Establish a system for receiving and addressing complaints from local residents, whether by providing a hotline, email contact, or an online form.

9. Review and Monitoring

Regular Review of the Policy: Review the dispersal policy regularly to ensure it is effective. Updates should be made based on feedback from staff, patrons, residents, and licensing authorities.
Incident Recording: Maintain a log of any incidents related to dispersal, such as complaints from residents, police involvement, or noise disturbances. This will help identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Compliance Audits: Conduct periodic audits to ensure that the dispersal policy is being followed and that staff are aware of their responsibilities.

10. Emergency Procedures

Emergency Dispersal Plan: In the event of an emergency (e.g., fire, serious incident), have a plan in place for safe and quick dispersal. Staff should be trained to guide patrons to safety calmly and efficiently.