Hospitality group receives bespoke training on safe nights out

Wednesday 10 January 2024

Sarnia Hotels has been recognised by a charity for engaging on the issue of night-time economy safety, gaining an accreditation in the process.

The group, which contains Moores, Hotel de Havelet and Les Rocquettes, said it wanted to develop its relationship with SafetyNet and its partner venues in Guernsey.

SafetyNet, which launched last year, aims to make nights out safer from for all through education and engagement. 

It presented to Sarnia staff earlier this week, which also included talks from trustee Simon Allum, who’s a Director of Pingquay bar, and Charlie Cox, Manager of Guernsey’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

The business has been designated as a Level 2 partner, which means it’s received an information pack including posters, and has taken steps to train staff on best practice. Consistent venues can gain Level 3 status, particularly if they support Police or other services in any investigations.

Sarnia Hotels Operations Director Calum Le Noury said the group was happy to assist after learning about the charity’s mission last November.

“Sarnia Hotels believed in the message that Poppy and her team were wanting to deliver to us as a business.

“We felt today was the next step… as well as making sure that they understood the support that could be offered to them when dealing with a possible situation, or if they themselves had fallen victim to unwanted, harassment, drink, spiking, or sexual assault."

Pictured: Simon Allum presenting to staff members.

Poppy Murray, the charity’s Chair, said it was “vital” to work with traders in the nighttime economy, praising the “passionate response” from Sarnia.

“As well as explaining how staff can support the public, it’s also really important for industry workers to know where they can get support if they are victims of, or witnesses to, these offences. I hope that other venues will look to arrange training for their staff and that together we can create a safer night-time economy for everyone.

“We want to do all that we can to promote venues which are taking positive steps in improving safety for their customers and their staff. Perpetrators are the only ones to blame for committing an offence, and a crime may potentially be committed in any venue, notwithstanding the effort of the venue itself.”

She hopes that as more venues become accredited, customers will know what to expect from staff if they or someone they know requires support.