College bars at Durham University have received awards after meeting strict standards of safety as part of a national accreditation scheme.

Fourteen out of the sixteen student bars at the university have now received endorsement from the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI), after proving their high safety and security standards. 

The initiative, which has been developed as part of the UK’s Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (PCPI), is designed to help licensed premises provide a safer and more secure environment for their employees, customers and local communities alike.

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Through the scheme, bar owners receive personalised advice and recommendations including how to work closely with authorities to comply with licensing rules; the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

Durham University’s South College Bar received the first five-star LSAVI in the country earlier this year.

Two of the latest bars to receive accreditation are the Junior Common Room (JCR) Bar at St Chad’s College and Collingwood College Bar.

It is hoped that the scheme can now be rolled out to privately-owned bars in Durham to deliver consistently high standards across the city. 

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Congratulating all the bars to have successfully achieved accreditation, Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “This is a phenomenal achievement and would not have been possible without the support and enthusiasm of Durham University and its bar operators.

“I cannot stress how important and reassuring this accreditation is for parents and the students themselves. To have so many bars accredited in such a short space of time is a real success and I would like to thank everyone for getting behind this initiative.

“We already know our city is a safe and fun place to visit but this accreditation really proves it.”

Charlotte Sikorski, Bar President St Chad's College JCR Bar, said: “Obtaining this accreditation is a testament to our dedication towards maintaining the highest safety standards and reflects our ongoing commitment to the well-being of students.

“Having this chance to self-reflect on our procedures and training has been incredibly helpful in identifying our strengths and learning where improvements can still be made.”

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Licensees who successfully complete the self-assessment receive a star rating and can then apply for Licensing SAVI Accreditation and an award which can be displayed at the premises showing the management’s efforts in creating a safe environment for customers.

Licensees can use their star rating as a benchmark to further improve their safety and security and achieve a higher star rating award year-on-year to grow their business.

The scheme was created in the wake of YouGov survey research which found three out of four adults want to see improved safety procedures in bars, pubs and nightclubs following publicity about women and girls’ safety nationally.