A scheme to manage Bath’s thriving evening economy has proved so successful that it is being extended to outlying areas of the city after just one month.
The Bath Nightwatch scheme, which is managed and funded by the Bath Business Improvement District (BID), enables licensees, police and CCTV operators to collaborate over security issues by using state-of-the-art technology.
The scheme, introduced at the end of last of year with 39 licensees, has proved a resounding success and the number of licensees has increased.
Sam Harding, one of the BID Rangers, said; “The scheme includes pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants within the BID area effectively ‘acting as one’.
Cllr Vic Pritchard, Insp Steve Mildren, Martin Purchase and Bath MP Don Foster at the launch of Nightwatch
“Premises are able to communicate freely and share information between each other, the night marshals, taxi marshals, CCTV operators, door staff and police.
“The night marshals meet before each shift and liaise with the police to discuss the agenda for the evening ahead.
“The scheme has already produced great results so we have started targeting areas such as Weston and Lansdown with the aim of spreading the scheme and broadening the communications network.
“We are speaking to all licensees both inside and outside the BID area who may not be aware the scheme is in place.”
Gemma Kirby of Avon and Somerset Police added; “Bath has a thriving night-time economy and you cannot place enough importance on ensuring that an evening out in the City centre is a pleasant and safe experience for all.”
Licensees interested in the Nightwatch scheme can attend the Nightwatch meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 3.30pm at Molloy’s Bar, Barton Street.
The meetings are attended by BID manager Andrew Cooper, night marshals, event staff company Safe & Sound, the police and licensees involved in the scheme.
Mr Cooper added: “The last meeting had a record attendance from door staff and licensees. We are now providing first aid, SIA (Security Industry Authority) and radio training, and new equipment for licensees. The scheme also facilitates regular meetings to ensure those businesses which rely on the evening can economy work more effectively together.”
