Pubs join campaign against gender based violence

THE White Ribbon campaign to tackle violence against women and girls has been taken into Tameside pubs and bars to encourage men to get involved.

Council licensing officers shared White Ribbon posters, beer mats and anti-drink spiking devices to 96 premises across the borough as part of a wider multi-agency safety operation on Friday 18 November, ahead of the start of the FIFA men’s World Cup.

This year the national White Ribbon campaign is tying in with the World Cup to highlight #TheGoal of everyone teaming together to make a stand against gender based violence.

The multi-agency visits to Tameside pubs and bars also covered licensing, health & safety, fire safety, environmental health and trading standards checks. No major issues were identified.

Tameside Council Executive Member Cllr Denise Ward, who is responsible for environmental services and who joined officers on some of the visits, said: “Tameside pubs and bars are going to be extra busy during the World Cup and run up to Christmas so this is an opportune time to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign as well as check on safety compliance.

“We have a positive, ongoing  relationship with licensees to ensure safety and public protection always remains a priority and it is reassuring to see that no major issues came up during these spot checks.

“My thanks also goes to licensees for helping us to raise awareness of the White Ribbon campaign. Local pubs and bars are great way of reaching men, as well as the wider community, with the call to stand together against violence against women and girls. This is the kind of work in the heart of our communities that can really make a difference.”

The  Council is also working with local football clubs – including Hyde United FC, Ashton United FC, Curzon Ashton FC and Stalybridge Celtic - to raise awareness of White Ribbon Day on 25 November with banners, posters and messages in their match programmes and social media channels.

The White Ribbon promotional materials being shared include contact details of local domestic abuse support services, which are available for everyone of any age or gender. For further information see www.tameside.gov.uk/domesticabuse or call 0800 328 0967. In an emergency, you should always call 999.