Home to Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors, the stadium achieved a 5-star accolade after successfully taking part in a pioneering, police-led initiative to improve the safety and security of its premises for the benefit of staff, customers, and local communities.
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, a police-led vigilance scheme to deter terrorist attacks at crowded-places.
The local council has seen a number of different venue types join the scheme, including a wide range of pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels. “This is a great achievement for Andy and the team at DW Stadium. Becoming the first stadium in the UK to receive this accreditation is also a highlight for Wigan Borough,” said Joanne Brockley, licensing manager for Wigan Council.
Available as an on-line self-assessment, Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI) brings together the information that licensed premises need to comply with the requirements of local police and council licensing teams, achieve a star-rating and have the opportunity to apply for Licensing SAVI accreditation and an award.
“We are delighted to be the first stadium to have received this award,” said Andy Birch, operations manager at the DW Stadium. ” Having this seal of approval, which demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of anyone working at or visiting a facility, is an accolade I would recommend for any venue to work towards.”
Licensing SAVI was developed at the request of the Home Office by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), which works alongside the Police Service to deter and reduce crime. As well as provide safer and more secure venues for managers, staff, customers, and local communities, it also seeks to reduce demand on Police Forces, NHS Ambulance Services and Accident & Emergency Departments. It also covers issues like responsible drinking, drugs misuse, violent behaviour, drink spiking and safeguarding vulnerable customers.
The 25,138-seater stadium opened in 1999 and is host to various sporting and private events throughout the year. Located in the heart of the North-West of England, the DW Stadium features 12 meeting and event rooms that can accommodate up to 500 guests for various function types, including conferences, meetings, training days, seminars, product launches and exhibitions.
“We are delighted that the DW Stadium has been awarded our five-star accreditation, becoming the first sports stadium in the country to receive our award in doing so. Working in partnership with Wigan Borough Council, Greater Manchester Police and the DW Stadium, we hope to showcase how we continue to work together to enhance the security, safety, and vulnerability for all those who work at or visit the stadium and local area, whether on a match day or during the private use of their excellent hospitality areas,” said Mark Morgan, business manager for Licensing SAVI.
