Council plans new focus to make nights out safer for town’s women
READING Borough Council has laid out a new alcohol licensing policy, with a renewed focus on keeping women and girls safe.
The council has said that it is making women’s safety a “key consideration” with its decision-making as a licensing authority ahead of a Licensing Committee meeting tonight (Thursday).
After a consultation on proposals which took place over the summer, Reading Borough Council is poised to put through new policy next month – if the plans are accepted.
The Licensing Act 2003 requires council licensing authorities to publish a Cumulative Impact Assessment if it is believed that granting further licenses could add to crime in a given area.
In August, the council cited data provided by Thames Valley Police in its plans, which it says shows “a significant issue with consistent levels of crime throughout the day, every day of the week.”
The new policy could see tougher requirements put in place for those applying for new alcohol licenses following a Cumulative Impact Assessment, which the council argued was evidence of an increase in crime in the town centre.
During the assessment, Thames Valley Police figures were cited showing that the Abbey/Battle area is where the most crime overall is reported, representing 33% of the total in 2021, rising to 37% in 2022.
They also showed that
Saturdays and Sundays saw a combined share of 36% of crimes recorded compared to other days.
Speaking last month, a council spokesperson said: “Meeting the licensing objectives through the proposed policy this could help attract more diverse and varied businesses.”
Now, following a recent increase in reports of both drink spiking and demand for welfare and police services in the town, the council says “further work” is required to improve safety.
A section focusing on this aspect of the night-time economy has been included as one of the key elements in the renewed policy.
Under the new section, the council lays out its plans to work with licensed premises to deliver welfare and vulnerability engagement training and the promotion of Reading’s Women’s Night-time Safety Charter, similar to that put in place in parts of London.
It will also work with organisations such as First Stop Reading and Street Pastors, as well as its participation in PubWatch and collaboration with Thames Valley Police, Reading’s Business Improvement District, and REDA.
It has further brought together council members, The University of Reading, Reading University Students Union, and Reading College through the Safer Students Partnership.
The full policy proposal, as well as a rundown of changes made since the previous policy, is available to view via the council’s website.
Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for Community Safety, said: “Reading boasts a vibrant, lively night-time economy which people come from many miles around to enjoy.
“We all have a responsibility to every single woman or girl to ensure we do everything possible to make our town a safe place in which to enjoy a night out.
“That is a joint responsibility shared among the Council and its partners, including the late-night bars, restaurants and entertainment venues that make-up our vibrant and attractive scene.”
She explained: “The Council’s new updated Licensing Policy further reiterates those standards that we expect from businesses and new applicants going forward in this area, with the introduction of a specific section on vulnerability and violence against women and girls.”
She also said that while the rise in spiking and welfare incidents was “by no means unique to Reading,” the council’s new policies and work with partners would look to reverse the increase.