New measures by the City of London police, licensing officers, environmental services, street cleansing, parking teams and planners have started to cut crime, late-night-noise, mess and other problems brought to the “Square Mile” by a change in licensing and culture.
But in a report presented on 8 January, City leaders are promising to keep up the pressure on night-time nuisances – without being kill-joys.
"The Square Mile is now a popular venue for late-night events, parties and club nights, but things were getting out of hand. Our duty to the City’s residents and general public means we’ve had to continue to crack down on the nuisance while still allowing people to have a good time. Progress has been made but there is more to do," said Stuart Fraser, Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee.
"We will make every effort to ensure the City, as it evolves, remains a safe place to live and work."
A report before the City Corporation’s governing "Common Council" (which meets at Guildhall today) says the new task force approach has seen a significant fall in violent crime related to clubs and pubs, an increase in licenses under review and a sea-change in levels of co-operation from night-spot owners and operators. Key facts from City Police include (figures compare the six months to January 2009 with the six months to July 2008):
Violent crimes related to licensed premises down from 157 to 105, with overall alcohol-related crimes down from 173 to 117.
In hot-spot premises, overall offences down from 87 to 46, including one venue where, following a cut in late nights and the introduction of an ID scanner, violent crimes dropped from 25 to nine. Another venue that worked closely with the task force saw crime fall from 12 incidents to six.
Problems had surfaced when, following changes in the UK law and a change in approach by a number of City venues meant that the numbers of post-2am licences went from 9 to 80 in 2007, with more than 30 operating late hours on a regular basis. Issues included late-night noise on the streets, huge numbers of discarded flyers, bottles and cans – plus urination, vomit, etc. An increase in violence was also recorded. Promoted events with featured DJs, each with their own following, had been a particular concern, the report said.
A task force set up in mid 2008 led to a more integrated approach, with City of London Police, British Transport Police, fire, environmental health, parking control and licensing officers meeting fortnightly to assess intelligence, review premises giving rise for concern and ordering action. Also included were street cleansing and planning officers.
City Police officers changed their shift patterns to meet the needs of the new night-time economy, putting more officers on duty at night, with an additional seven sergeants moved to the ultra-local "ward policing" model.
City Police also established a four-strong dedicated licensing team to work inside the City of London Corporation’s own Environmental Services team and placed an officer inside the Met Police’s Clubs and Vice unit at Charing Cross police station. A new bye-law is also being passed making urination or defecation in public an offence with a £500 fine.
The Safer City Partnership (SCP) which includes City Police, City Corporation and London Fire Brigade further developed the work of all partners in this area. Building on years of good practice and relationships the Safety Thirst Awards Scheme encourages pubs and clubs to keeping their venue safe and free from crime and has been pivotal in improving crime prevention in the City. Taxi Marshals have been provided by the SCP at Liverpool Street station, with additional funding by the City of London Corporation. These have also been effective in helping late-night revellers make their way home peacefully and more safely.
Extensive work with club and pub owners and best-practice procedures for security and safety were mirrored by meetings, and briefings for residents and non-leisure businesses.
The owners of buildings let out to clubs, bars and pubs were also briefed and specialist evidence-gathering undertaken, sometimes under cover, to present to licence hearings about premises where problems were reported.
Rigorous assessment of the risk led to 13 promoted events (out of a total of 295 held between February and July 2008) being cancelled because of police and other concerns.
