The O2, the world’s most popular live entertainment, leisure, and retail destination, has demonstrated its commitment to the safety and security of fans, artists and staff at the venue by achieving a 5-star rating with the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI), part of the National Policing Award for safety and security efforts.

The O2 arena, owned and operated by AEG Europe, has been visited by over 100 million people since opening in 2007 and has sold more than 30 million tickets. The world-famous arena hosts over 200 events each year, with some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, comedy, and sport.

To ensure that the latest safety and security policies and procedures are in place, the venue successfully underwent through the Licensing SAVI assessment – a police-led initiative for the benefit of staff, customers, and local communities. Licensing SAVI is available to licensees as an online self-assessment, covering topics including responsible drinking, drugs misuse, preventing violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers, through to preventing opportunist theft and improving physical security, with the implementation of lighting and CCTV systems. Most measures included in Licensing SAVI can be introduced quickly and at little or no cost.

Licensing SAVI provides consistent standards, guidance and advice that licensed premises in England and Wales need to meet the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and promote the four Licensing Objectives: Prevention of Public Nuisance; Prevention of Crime and Disorder; Protection of Children from Harm; and Public Safety. Licensing SAVI also includes a non-assessed guidance section on counter terrorism.

Nisha Jaye, Intelligence & Safeguarding Manager at The O2, said: “The safety and security of our fans, artists, and staff is of the upmost importance to us here at The O2, and we’re so proud to have achieved a 5-star rating with the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative. Undertaking this assessment ensures that we are demonstrating a best-in-class approach to all of our safety and security policies, procedures, and training. Ultimately, visitors come to The O2 to be entertained, and we want that experience to be as safe and seamless as possible from the moment they walk through the door. We will continue to work closely with Licensing SAVI moving forwards to ensure that our safeguarding procedures remain best in class, always.”