The countdown to Christmas is on, and for lots of us that means later nights and more socialising. While most of the time the streets are full of festive cheer, it’s also important to make sure everyone is kept safe. We speak to Niall Forde, licensing officer at Islington Council, about how his work keeps a balance between a thriving nighttime economy, and happy and safe residents 

My job is split between office work, visiting businesses, and attending meetings with a mixture of businesses and residents.  

Preventing anti-social behaviour and crime is considered from the start of when someone applies to set up a business here. Licenses cannot be granted unless the business has procedures and measures in place covering four aspects: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of nuisance and protection of children from harm. 

A license is granted with legally enforceable conditions. This means that our team checks in regularly to ensure they’re complying with the conditions of their license. We visit businesses in response to complaints, and to ensure staff have read and understood their license and are following it. Conditions of a license might include installing CCTV, measures to prevent crime or reduce noise and to keep customers safe.  

We work with businesses and the police to deliver Welfare and Vulnerable Engagement (WAVE) training, so staff know how to deal with harassment and drink or drug spiking, how to report issues and how to recognise and help vulnerable customers. Islington was one of the first boroughs to sign up to the Women’s Night Safety Charter and has signed up 125 premises so far. Businesses that sign the charter vow to ensure all reports made by women are believed, recorded and responded to.  

We work hard to keep a balance between making sure local businesses thrive, and keeping residents happy and safe. We encourage them to have a good relationship with people who live locally and for them to listen to what residents have to say. 

Have fun and stay safe when out and about in Islington this winter: Winter personal safety | Islington Council 

If a licensed premises is affecting you, please report it via the Islington Council website