Bars, clubs and restaurants urged to join new nighttime scheme

Thursday, 8 December 2022 00:00

Bars, restaurants, clubs and other night-time economy businesses are now being encouraged to sign up for the Safety at Night Charter to take practical steps towards making communities safer after dark.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon developed the charter in partnership with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council, and Swindon Borough Council after survey results revealed that just 3% of people felt safe when out and about at night.

The Safety at Night Charter, which is helping to deliver Making Wiltshire Safer: Police and Crime Plan 2022-25, is not just limited to bars, pubs and restaurants – it is for any organisation, establishment or venue which operates in the evening and night-time economy including cinemas, gyms, theatres, public transport operators, sports venues and more.

Once signed up to the charter, businesses will be supported by their local PCSOs, safeguarding partnerships, Wiltshire Police and their local authority licensing officers.

PCC Philip Wilkinson said: “The launch of our Safety at Night Charter is a positive affirmation that my office, and our partners, are committed to delivering safer nights for all across Wiltshire and Swindon. I would encourage any type of business or organisation that operates in the evenings to get involved.

“We want to proactively work alongside businesses to provide the training, tools and ongoing support they need to help improve the standard of night-time safety across the county. People in Wiltshire should be able to feel reassured when out and about at night, and able to safely enjoy the many great amenities our county has to offer.

“I am committed to providing a better service that meets the needs of the community to ensure these safety standards are met, which is one of the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan to make Wiltshire safer for those who live, work and visit here.”

By voluntarily signing the charter, businesses are agreeing to tackle the issue of safety within the night-time economy proactively.

More from Local News

The Barber Academy Celebrates Ten Years

The Barber Academy is marking ten years since first opening its doors on Fisherton Street, celebrating a decade of training new and experienced barbers while operating as a fully working barbershop.
The International Salisbury Pancake Race Returns for 2026

A popular Salisbury tradition will return this year with a light-hearted contest that brings together workplaces, visitors, and residents in a celebration of shared local spirit.
Bishop of Salisbury to Commission Eight Volunteer Chaplains for the LGBTQIA+ Community

The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Stephen Lake, is to commission eight volunteer chaplains to offer affirming support to LGBTQIA+ Christians and those exploring faith.
Tri-County Summit Boosts Joint Effort to Tackle Rural Crime

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, has welcomed a renewed commitment to tackling rural crime following a tri‑county summit that brought together senior police leaders, MPs and representatives from rural organisations.
Local Voices Reveal Gaps and Solutions in Dementia Support

Safer and Supportive Salisbury (SaSS), the local community charity dedicated to building a safer and more supportive city, has published its Dementia Research Report 2025, an in-depth study into the experiences of people living with dementia, their carers, and dementia support providers across the Salisbury area.
Rock and Roll Man Interviews: Part 3 - Julian Bird & Gary Turner

Rock and Roll Man opens its UK tour at Salisbury Playhouse in February, and Salisbury Radio was invited to talk to some of the team behind the show.
The Spitfire Café Brings Family Fun to Cross Keys This February Half Term

Families looking for something fun and weather-proof to do this February half term are invited to Cross Keys Shopping Centre, Salisbury, where The Spitfire Café will be hosting a special Kids’ Club throughout the school holidays.
Local RNLI branch seeks more volunteers

The Salisbury and Wilton Fundraising branch of the RNLI is calling on local people to give a little time to suppor their fundraising efforts.