Blackpool’s historic, town-centre Grand Theatre has become the first theatre in the country to receive a national policing award for safety by winning a Licensing SAVI award.
Licensing SAVI (Security & Vulnerability Initiative) was developed, at the request of the Home Office, by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, which works with police to deter and reduce crime, provide safer, more secure venues and reduce demand on police, ambulance services and hospital accident and emergency departments.
The Grand's award came after it took part in a pioneering, police-led initiative to improve the safety and security of its premises for staff and customers.
Operations manager Shaun Gorringe said : “The care and comfort we provide our audiences is one of our top priorities; we hope this accolade gives our visitors confidence that we are meeting our responsibilities. We hope other theatres across the UK will participate in the scheme.”
Mark Morgan, the business manager of licensing SAVI, said: “It’s great to see Blackpool Grand Theatre receive their accreditation. It was clear the venue takes customer safety seriously and has considered the wider impacts of not just the venue itself, which has excellent measures in place, but also how procedures and operating practices can influence safety beyond the theatre itself.”