Supporting safety in Tameside pubs and bars

Spot safety checks were carried out at pubs and bars across Tameside in the run up to the busy festive season.

Tameside Council public protection officers were joined by Greater Manchester Police on the evening of 21 November for Operation Nightsafe, aimed at supporting licensees while also highlighting key safety messages and conducting compliance checks.

More than 40 premises across the borough were visited – all received posters, beer mats and other materials highlighting the White Ribbon campaign encouraging men to speak up to call out sexist comments and harassing behaviour to help tackle violence against women and girls.

They also received posters for the Ask for Angela scheme, which is a national scheme that helps anyone who is feeling vulnerable on a night out to get the support they need.

The teams checked a range of licensing, environmental health, fire safety and public safety matters. Most premises were found to be compliant, with any issues raised being followed up.

Parking Services also carried out enforcement on cars breaching no parking restrictions on Market Street in Stalybridge Town Centre as part of the operation. While Market Street has retained a number of marked short stay parking bays and loading only bays for businesses, visitors are reminded the street is a no parking zone and enforcement will continue going forward.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhood Cllr Laura Boyle said: “This is a busy time of year for our nighttime economy – there will be thousands of Tameside residents visiting local pubs and bars in the run up to Christmas. It’s great to be working closely with local businesses and our partners to ensure premises are operating safely to help protect the public and also to reach the community with key safety messages. Thank you to everyone involved.”

For more information on the White Ribbon campaign see www.whiteribbon.org.uk

For more information on the Ask for Angela scheme see www.askforangela.co.uk