§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What statistics are collected by the Metropolitan Police on rapes and sexual assaults; on women in London's bars and nightclubs; and whether as a result of these statistics they will recommend that the managers of these establishments provide additional security. [HL5330]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe Metropolitan Police Service has developed Project Sapphire in order to improve rape investigations and enhance the care given to victims of rape across London. The Project Sapphire sexual offences database holds data on allegations of rape and indecent assaults at entertainment venues, including public houses and nightclubs.
The data shows that over a 21-month period (January 2002 to September 2003), 70 rapes were committed within entertainment venues. This represents two per cent of the total rapes reported during this period.
The provision of security within entertainment venues should always be of concern to the management of that venue. If licensed premises are currently giving rise to criminal activity of any kind, which a licensee is unable to prevent, it is open to the police or any other person to ask the licensing justices to consider revoking the alcohol licence for the premises. It is therefore in the interests of any licensee to co-operate fully with the police to prevent serious crime of this kind. Under the Licensing Act 2003, when fully implemented, all holders of premises licences will be under a duty to take steps to prevent crime and disorder and assure the safety of the public on the premises, including compliance with associated conditions. If a premises licence holder fails to do so, it would be open to the police to seek a review of the licence, which can lead to the imposition of new conditions or, in serious cases, to the revocation of the licence.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is to license door supervisors on a rolling geographical programme, starting with a pilot in March 2004. To obtain an SIA licence, door supervisors will be required to meet certain competencies (achieved through training programmes), and pass a criminality check through the Criminal Records Bureau. By raising the professional standards of door supervisors, SIA licensing will contribute to a safer environment for all customers in pubs and clubs.