The Safety Thirst Awards were held in the City of London this week. The scheme is open to all licensed premises in the City of London and aims to promote high standards in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour while also helping to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for people to socialise and enjoy the City.

Marianne Fredericks, Chairman of the Licensing Committee at the City of London said: “The 31 premises that have gained the award this year are truly inspirational and represent how licensed premises should be run in the City of London.”

Deputy Henry Pollard, Chairman of the Safer City Partnership said: “I am delighted that so many licensed premises in the City of London are now upholding the highest standards for the enjoyment and safety of their customers. It is evidence of the strong partnership between the City of London Corporation, City of London Police and the London Fire Brigade. I would like to encourage more licensed venues to take part in the Awards next year.”

City Police Commander Wayne Chance also spoke at the event and discussed how the City Police and licensees have been working hard to successfully reduce violent crime in the City of London around late-night venues.

The City of London Corporation, through the Safer City Partnership has been running the Safety Thirst scheme since 2005. This year two companies shared the award for the Premises of the Year – The Brewery on Chiswell Street and The Forge on Cornhill.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

PRESS ENQUIRIES:

Susanna Lascelles, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Tel: 020 7332 1754

Email: susanna.howard@cityoflondon.gov.uk

ABOUT THE CITY OF LONDON CORPORATION:The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation. It supports and promotes the City as the world leader in international finance and business services and provides local services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the nation. These include the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama; the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery and London Metropolitan Archives; a range of education provision (including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court at Old Bailey; over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food markets. It is also London’s Port Health Authority and runs the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. It works in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on the regeneration of surrounding areas and the City Bridge Trust, which it oversees, donates more than £15m to charity annually.