Ten pubs inspected over three weekends as officers lead safety operation

Gwent Police and Trading Standards have been carrying out a series of inspections at Gwent pubs as part of a multi-agency night-time safety operation.

Officers from Gwent Police’s licensing team have been leading a multi-agency operation in the west of Gwent to make sure licence holders are complying with approved licences and keeping pub-goers safe this winter.

As part of Operation Check, over the last three weekends officers have carried out inspections with colleagues from Trading Standards, Environmental Health and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Gwent’s team visited ten pubs across three areas – Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Caerphilly –between the hours of 6.30pm-11pm to assess fire safety, environmental impact, security, the responsible sale of alcohol and more.

The aim of the operation was to check each venue during trading hours to ensure they were being managed responsibly, that their licence conditions were being adhered to, and to work with the licence holder at each premises to identify measures that could be introduced to further improve public safety and minimise impact on surrounding neighbours.

Inspector Andrew O'Keefe said:

"As we head into the busy festive period – especially this year with the World Cup being played – we’ve been working with partner agencies and licensed premises in Gwent to ensure people feel safe and can enjoy themselves while out in our communities.

"Licence holders have an important part to play in keeping pub-goers safe and, along with partners, we've visited ten premises over the last three Fridays to carry out a number of inspections.

“Things like fire safety and licence checks, for instance, are significant in ensuring the safety of visitors.

“Other checks included checking the age of customers and not selling alcohol to those under 18, ensuring banned people (banned as part of Pub Watch) are refused entry and that proper records are kept on site. Officers also looked for any evidence of drug taking throughout the operation and any inappropriate behaviour.     

“It’s been pleasing to see the vast majority of businesses we’ve visited have been taking their responsibilities seriously and complying with the measures that help keep their patrons safe.”

Across the last three Fridays, officers reported a range of results as they inspected the ten pubs. Some of the non-compliances identified at some of the premises included:

• fire alarms not in full working order
• challenge 25 posters not visible
• fire exit shutters not open while a premises was trading
• an underage person found in a premises later than the deadline outlined on the premises’ licence
• no prices displayed for customers
• no allergen warning signs on display for customers
• CCTV not in full working order
• evidence of drug taking identified.

The team has worked with, and continue to work with, the licence holder at each premises to ensure any non-compliances identified during the inspections are addressed.