Leeds-based initiative The Egalitarian, has been in the island for the week, holding sessions on its Safe Place Project for the night-time economy. It helps bars, pubs, and clubs keep staff and customers safe.
More than 20 local venues have now had training.
‘The reception has been so lovely, and even though the legislation feels perhaps a little bit jilted here, the attitudes have been fantastic,’ said Liz Pickering, director of community at The Egalitarian.
‘The sessions have been really collaborative. Some of it is low-level things that people already know but is a good refresher, but also things that people might not know.’
The sessions covered different types of sexual violence that may occur in the night-time economy, domestic abuse, hate crimes and spiking.
Alex Lock of bar Bad Habits was one of those attending, and said that the session had changed his perspective on some things.
‘It’s been really useful to be given the tools and information to sort these issues, especially around the prevention side of things to prevent things from happening in our venues around town,’ he said.
‘Before this I was under the impression that drink-spiking was just through drugs, but I’ve learnt now that it can be through alcohol too, and that’s something to be mindful of.’
About 20 police officers have attended this week, and each one has learnt something new to take away in how to work more closely with businesses in the night-time economy.
Chief of police Damian Kitchen said that he was proud to see bar staff, door staff and licensees coming together.
‘The primary aim of the police is to keep people safe, and while the vast majority of people who enjoy the night-time economy are law-abiding, there is a small minority who pose a risk to public safety, and in particular, the safety of women and girls,’ he said.
‘While offending is low in Guernsey, one offence of sexual assault, harassment or spiking is one offence too many.
‘But ultimately, if something does happen, knowing how to respond in partnership with the police to keep the team safe and bring people to justice.’
The initiative was organised by SafetyNet, and was the first of its kind outside of the UK.
‘I’m so unbelievably impressed with the engagement, there are some heavy topics being discussed, but The Egalitarian have been so engaging, so enthusiastic and so far we’ve had incredible feedback,’ said SafetyNet founder Poppy Murray.
‘We’re so grateful for the Social Investment Fund's support because this benefits the whole community and visitors too.’
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