What is safeguarding?
The approach towards protecting children and young people includes a variety of factors that
could put them at risk. Safeguarding doesn’t only mean protecting them from physical or
sexual harm – it also includes psychological, emotional and moral harm. Where there is a
risk to children and young people, measures should be taken to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Why we need to think about safeguarding
Under the Licensing Act 2003, children and young people will normally have access to
licensed premises, unless there is a clear need for them not to. The Essex Quality
Assurance & Safeguarding Service is the ‘Responsible Authority’ for safeguarding children
and we are committed to working in partnership with other local authority services,
businesses and organisations to ensure that licensees take the right steps to safeguard
children and young people. To help licensees with this we have produced guidance
suggesting ways of good practice and things to consider if children and young people are
allowed at your premises.
What are the risks?
The risks will vary depending on the type of licensable activity taking place and the age of the
children and young people. Young teenagers, if they are underage drinkers, are vulnerable
when intoxicated because their judgement is impaired and they will probably lose their
inhibitions. This could put them in danger of sexual predators, or their physical safety could
be threatened by getting involved in fights, drink-driving, or walking home alone after
drinking.
The behaviour of adults could post a risk if they are drunk or unable to supervise their
children, who could wander off, or get the unwanted attention of strangers. Young children
can become frightened if adults are unable to control their actions, and a child witnessing
aggressive or violent behaviour could be emotionally or even physically harmed.
Remember too that children like to copy adults and will taste or finish off left over drinks
(even a small amount of alcohol can be lethal for a child).
Adults who are working in close proximity to children could pose a risk if they exploit their
position to develop a relationship with a child or young person for inappropriate reasons. At
premises where there is entertainment of an adult or sexual nature, there could be a risk of
psychological or moral harm. For example, where there is strip tease, lap dancing, gambling,
or if a child is exposed to unsuitable material during the screening of adult films / TV
programmes / videos etc. in which strong or offensive language or violent behaviour occurs.
What can licensees do to reduce the risks?
 Ensure that all staff coming into contact with children and young people are vetted
 Train staff to be aware of safeguarding issues
 Identify at least one member of staff to take a lead on safeguarding (a Children’s
Safeguarding Champion)
 Use clearly displayed signage so that people are clear which areas, activities and
time sessions are family friendly
 Display signage about the laws relating to children and alcohol
 Join your local Pubwatch
 Operate a ‘No ID No Sale’ policy
 Ensure that children and young people are not allowed if there is entertainment of an
adult or sexual nature
 Enforce admission rules to classified film presentations and display clear signage
 Use CCTV / security staff to monitor the vicinity in and around the premises / event
 Do take action if you notice a child or young person in a vulnerable situation
Information for licensees
Your business could contribute in a positive way to the community it serves and working in
the community puts you in a key position to take positive action. Remember, safeguarding
children and young people is everyone’s business and it is important to work together to
make sure that children and young people can safely enjoy the diverse range of leisure,
cultural and entertainment activities in Essex.
If you would like more information about safeguarding please contact:
The Essex Quality Assurance & Safeguarding Service, email:
Childrens.Safeguarding@essex.gov.uk
Further information can be found at www.ESCB.co.uk
Updated: 17/07/15