Training

News: MALV & Mansfield Police take a huge step towards greater responsible drinks

  • (Press Release)
  • Date: 01/03/2007

The Mansfield Police force and Mansfield Association of Licensed Venues has organised for up to 300 of its licensees and all those working within licensed premises within the town, to take the BII's Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing, via specialist firm, Poppleston Allen Training.

Commenting, Dougie Gardner, Mansfield Division Licensing Officer said: "This is an excellent opportunity created by MALV and The Police for our areas bar staff to train to a nationally recognised standard. With current licensing legislation, workers within this industry have a very responsible job to do and I'm sure that this initiative will help them do their jobs more effectively and responsibly."

In Mansfield Town Centre certain venues voluntarily pay a weekly amount into the Heart of Mansfield Fund - this ranges from £20 for food outlets and up to £100 for night clubs; the money they collect then pays for various initiatives throughout the year, this being one of them. The fund also pays for 3 extra Police officers on a Saturday night as well as roaming door staff on Friday and Saturday nights - checking those licensed premises that can't independently afford door staff all evening; in addition to this the fund has provided numerous informative posters, radio campaigns and cocaine wipes so that venues can check their premises on a regular basis.

The backing for the project has come from three sources: Mansfield Police, the Home Office and MALV (Mansfield Association of Licensed Venues), with Mansfield District Council providing the venue and refreshments. The course will be held over Wed 14th March and Friday 23rd March 2007 at Mansfield District Council Chamber, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield.

Training and Consultancy Manager at Poppleston Allen Training, David Elphick, said: "This is an excellent initiative from Mansfield Police and one that can only help the day to day running of pubs and bars within the town. I believe this action sets a new standard for others to follow and I'm sure this will attract nothing but praise from the industry as a whole - we're delighted to be involved."

Paul Anderton, Chairman of MALV said: "Once again this fantastic scheme demonstrates what can be achieved by effective partnership working. We believe these training courses will help our members and their staff when adopting their 'early intervention' policy and will benefit everyone involved including the customer. This initiative is just a small part of the bigger picture we are trying to create, one that is a safer, yet vibrant Mansfield town centre."

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