The O2 achieves five-star security rating from Licensing SAVI

Owned and operated by AEG Europe, The O2 Arena has been visited by over 100 million people since it opened back in 2007 and has sold more than 30 million tickets. The venue hosts over 200 events each year, with some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, comedy and sport appearing.

In order to ensure that the latest safety and security policies and procedures are in place, the venue successfully underwent the Licensing SAVI assessment. This process is available to licensees as an online self-assessment, covering topics including responsible drinking, drugs misuse, preventing violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers through to preventing opportunist theft and improving physical security through the implementation of, for example, lighting and CCTV systems.

In point of fact, most of the measures included in Licensing SAVI can be introduced quickly and at little or no cost.

Licensing SAVI provides consistent standards, guidance and advice that licensed premises in England and Wales need in order to meet the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and promote the four Licensing Objectives: the Prevention of Public Nuisance, the Prevention of Crime and Disorder, the Protection of Children from Harm and Public Safety. Importantly, Licensing SAVI also includes a non-assessed guidance section on counter-terrorism.

Best-in-Class approach

Nisha Jaye, intelligence and safeguarding manager at The O2, informed Security Matters: “The safety and security of fans, artists and staff is of the highest importance to us here at The O2. That being so, we’re really proud to have achieved a five-star rating with Licensing SAVI. Undertaking this assessment ensures that we are demonstrating a Best-in-Class approach towards all of our safety and security policies, procedures and training.”

Jaye added: “Ultimately, visitors come to The O2 to be entertained. We want that experience to be as safe and as seamless as possible from the moment they walk through the door. In times ahead, we will continue to work closely with Licensing SAVI in order to ensure that our safeguarding procedures always remain Best-in-Class.”

Ian Shuttleworth, development officer at Licensing SAVI, responded: “We are delighted to have the iconic O2 Arena as a five-star, Licensing SAVI-accredited venue. It was great to meet Nisha and Annelyse during my recent visit and to see first-hand the emphasis they place on the safety and security of their staff and customers. With specific female safety advice contained within the Licensing SAVI assessment and as a co-signature of the London Women’s Night Safety Charter, it was also fantastic to note the commitment from The O2 team in ensuring the safety of women and girls in particular. We look forward to continuing our partnership work with The O2 and rolling out Licensing SAVI to more venues across the wider Greenwich area.”

Development process

Licensing SAVI was developed in partnership with the Home Office by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives, which works alongside the police service to deter and reduce crime. As well as providing safer and more secure venues for managers, staff, customers and local communities, The organisation also seeks to reduce the demand placed on police forces, NHS Ambulance Services and Accident and Emergency Departments.

The first police award of its kind, Licensing SAVI aims to support the licensing trade and is backed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Project Servator, the latter a police-led vigilance scheme specifically designed to deter terrorist attacks at crowded places.