AAA White Paper The political economy of informal events, 2030 | Page 106

“ Those active on licensing in the
police agree that collaborative
working is the best way to
achieve positive outcomes. The
primary role of the police is to
keep the public safe, but we do
understand that businesses need
to prosper from events. If the
safety aspects are fulfilled and
town centres make offerings that
appeal to a wider demographic,
that’s all good news.
“ The not-so-very-secret point is
for all parties and stakeholders
to work together to mitigate
any risk from the outset. Event
organisers should be liaising with
the police and the Local Authority
at the earliest opportunity –
before they commit to bookings.
That way, they can ensure that
any concerns are identified and
dealt with at the outset.
serious incident, to allow the
licensing authorities to think
about what interim steps should
be taken to mitigate risk.
“ As the police, we have to be
risk-aware. We seek to reduce
the risk of harm to the public.
At the same time, we are
mindful that not all events are
problematic, and that we need
to consider each and every risk
in the light of the best available
information and intelligence.
“ Licensing is all about checks
and balances. Ultimately,
compliance with the rules and
regulations and working in
partnership are the best ways
both to keep the public safe, and
to build successful businesses. ”
“ If things go wrong at an event,
the task is to respond to any
immediate risk and, afterward,
both to establish it scauses and
consider appropriate remedial
action. A formal Review of a
licence is usually a last resort –
although a fast-track Summary
Review may be needed after a
Chairman of the National Police Chiefs
Council Licensing Group, on the right kind
of licensing processes
Ian Graham
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