However, Hannah said the burden of change can`t rest solely in nightclubs. Thomson`s petition calls for stricter controls on nightlife. In addition to general measures such as improving CCTV systems and dispensing drinks with lids to avoid spikes, it also calls on the government to introduce a legal obligation to screen guests at the door. This would reduce the risk of harmful objects, including needles, being transported on the premises. There are too many cases of guns and date rape drugs being used in clubs. The question arises, why don`t nightclubs need to do more to prevent harmful items from entering their clubs? Glasgow-based Hannah Thomson has launched the petition calling for all sites to be required by law to search all guests on arrival, following a series of reports of incidents reported last week. This petition is closed All petitions have been ongoing for 6 months I ask you to propose that this House have considered the e-petition 598986 relating to nightclub security. I am pleased to discuss, under your chairmanship, Mr Gray, the 598986 petition, which legally obliges nightclubs to thoroughly search patrons at their entrance. We`ve all seen the stories from all over the UK, mainly about the women whose drinks were skewered and even stabbed with drugs in some nightclubs. In Swansea, police are investigating a number of incidents of alcohol spikes, and last week Nottinghamshire Police treated 15 different peaking incidents with something spicy.
We`re now seeing nightclubs like Sin City in Swansea take action by ordering 12,500 StopTopps – anti-splicing lids – and implementing a policy whereby those who think their drink may have been skewered up to receive a free replacement. In the absence of comprehensive testing on beverages, this makes sense. While these measures are welcomed by some nightclubs, what will happen once media interest wanes? It is not enough that this issue is in the hands of some nightclub owners. The government must recognize that something needs to be done. A number of clubs have additional security staff on the floors of their nightclubs, so it is certainly not beyond the financial capabilities of the owners to invest in security checks at every club in the UK. I understand that these 18 months have been financially difficult for many sites, but does the minister agree that an investment in people`s safety in one evening makes going out much more attractive and therefore useful for club owners in the long run? Many colleagues will have seen the Big Night In initiative, where cities in the UK boycotted pubs and nightclubs to counter rising peaks. Many city centers were much quieter than usual. Given that 51% of the population are women and other groups are also subject to peaks, this is a great purchasing power that is not present in clubs.
They have made themselves heard and they have been heard. I thank the many groups that supported the campaign, including student unions, bars and clubs across the country that closed early, and the Swansea University men`s rugby team, which was among the first to show solidarity. My colleague raises a valid point. I do not think his case is an isolated one. These incidents are becoming more and more visible and are occurring in nightclubs across the country. My evidence is anecdotal, but emergency departments have seen an increase in cases specifically assigned at the beginning of academic semesters. This must be reported. That is why it is important for the government to take responsibility and find out what the data is.
They need to raise awareness and work with local authorities and police to ensure that these incidents are not considered drunk incidents. The feasibility of the proposed measures was questioned. The government states that the general conditions are neither feasible nor ideal. Some of the important questions and considerations raised by this petition include: All members of Parliament in the riding who have ever tried to take road safety measures and who have been told that they have to wait for someone to die on this road hear the call of the member for Bath. I am sorry to say that in the United Kingdom, every three days, a woman is murdered by violence against women and girls; If this were to happen at football matches in our country, football matches would be banned. The reality is that even if someone dies under these circumstances, I don`t think it will suddenly change things. I would like the minister to tell me exactly what the government is going to do to make women feel safe and that it is the abusers who are afraid? You`re more likely to take action on this if you sign and share a single petition. I can reassure the honourable Member. Madam, that we insist and demand it of them, and that is part of their legal duty. They are, of course, accountable to their people, and their staff is made up of locally and demographically responsible board members. I would like to draw the House`s attention to the fact that the police already have considerable powers to act when they think there is a problem. You can request a site license review and cooperate with the managing and licensing authority.
Local mechanisms can introduce research where it is needed rather than waiting more quickly for a national mandate to be implemented. Licensing laws also allow for longer-term measures to improve the management of the night-time economy. For example, the night tax, which some Members may be familiar with, allows local authorities to collect a financial contribution from businesses. Some of the initiatives are very helpful and have been used to fund police officers, community safety officers, and local projects such as club hosts and taxi marshals, all of which can help keep people safe. The Act also allows the permitting authority to conduct a cumulative effects assessment to limit the number of types of permit applications in areas where there is no evidence that the number or density of facilities permitted in the area has cumulative effects and causes problems that could undermine the objectives of the permit. As I said, the nighttime economy is diverse and covers many types of areas. In addition to the concrete measures I have described, there are other things that local regions can and should do. I have been impressed by some of the initiatives I have seen across the country. In some areas, safe spaces have been established where a combination of medical assistance, supervised recovery and other support services is provided to those who are intoxicated, injured or vulnerable. In another area, I saw a program where door staff turned into street marshals at the end of the night, throughout the city center.
I pay tribute to other organizations, such as street pastors, who are providing invaluable help. Members highlighted the excellent work being done in their local armed forces and in some of their local universities. In addition, initiatives such as Ask for Angela, X Marks the Spot, Safe Havens and Good Night Out provide opportunities, help and support to anyone concerned about their safety. Many members have spoken about the growing issues of violence against women and girls, which I am now addressing. This summer, we launched our new intergovernmental strategy to combat violence against women and girls to keep women and girls safe everywhere. I fully agree with all the comments made by the honourable Member. It`s not about blaming women or asking or expecting women to change their behavior. It is about fighting the cause of violence.
I realize what my honourable Member is.
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