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Police launch ‘Licensing SAVI’ to improve safety for staff and customers

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DYFED-POWYS POLICE have launched a pioneering licensing initiative in bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels. Senior officers say that this demonstrates their commitment to improving safety and security in the night-time economy.

Officers are working alongside venues to launch Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI), which was developed at the request of the Home Office by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), a police-owned organisation which works alongside the Police Service around the UK to deter and reduce crime.


Supporting the hospitality industry, Licensing SAVI is backed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and Project Servator, a police-led vigilance scheme to deter terrorist attacks at crowded places. Its aim is to provide safer and more secure venues for managers, staff, customers and local communities and to reduce the demand on hard-pressed police forces and NHS Ambulance Services and Accident & Emergency Departments.

Available to licensees as an on-line self-assessment, Licensing SAVI covers critical issues like responsible drinking, drugs misuse, violent behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable customers through to preventing opportunist theft and improving physical security, such as 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 Wales and England 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.

Licensees that complete the self-assessment will receive a Star-Rating and can apply for Licensing SAVI Accreditation and an award for display to show the efforts undertaken to enhance safety.

The initiative is being supported by Home Office funding, secured by Dyfed-Powys Police Safer Communities Hub, giving premises the opportunity to join the scheme as part of the roll out. The fund is available to support projects that help reduce neighbourhood crime, make local areas safer and reduce demand on police forces.

Inspector Reuben Palin, from Dyfed-Powys Police’s Central Prevention Hub, said: “We’re pleased licensed premises from across the force area are working with us to ensure their pubs and clubs are a safe environment for people to enjoy a good night out.

“We would encourage anyone who hasn’t already signed up to get in touch so we can work together for better community safety.”

Mark Morgan, Business Manager for Licensing SAVI, commented: “I’m delighted that Dyfed-Powys Police, using Home Office funding, are supporting the use of Licensing SAVI in premises by enabling licensees to undertake an assessment of the processes and procedures they have in place to maximise safety and reduce vulnerability for both customers and staff. We’re confident that this contributes to raised standards, safer venues, and safer socialising, with the venues being able to display their award to recognise their efforts. It’s great to see that venues across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys have already received our accreditation and we look forward to more doing so in the near future, contributing to a safer Dyfed-Powys.”

Covering a huge geographical area, Dyfed-Powys Police have funded venues across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys. The following venues were the first in the region to take up the scheme, achieving accreditation and a star award to display to customers and the local community.

In Carmarthenshire The Old Cross Inn, Quay St, Ammanford and Yr Hen Dderwen, 47–48 King Street, Carmarthen are taking part. Moira Williams, General Manager at the Old Cross Inn, said: “I took part in Licensing SAVI and found the process easy to complete. By completing this accreditation, it has made us more aware of extra safety and servility measures for our business and most importantly for our customers.

She added: “We take the safety for our customers seriously and everyone should be able to enjoy and be assured that their safety while socialising comes first. Every public bar selling alcohol should complete this assessment and become accredited. It’s even given us some good insights into how to improve our business. I am so glad I completed this and am happy with my accreditation.”

In Ceredigion THE Cambrian Hotel, Alexandra Rd; Harleys, 21 Eastgate; Royal Pier, Marine Terrace, of course all in Aberystwyth are taking part. Royal Pier Head of Operations, Lee Price, proudly commented: “The Licensing SAVI self-assessment offered an invaluable opportunity to re-visit and health-check operations, assess the effectiveness of their intention, and add more meat to the bones of day-by-day control measures.

“It has provided a credible recommendation to display to the public, helping attract a more perceptive customer and offering a competitive consumer edge,” he added

Here in Pembrokeshire five venues are taking part so far – they are:

  • Castle Hotel, Castle Square, Haverfordwest SA61 2AA
  • Eddie Rocks, 4 Quay St, Haverfordwest SA61 1BG
  • Imperial Hall, Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven SA73 3JN
  • OUT Pembroke, 14 Main St, Pembroke SA71 4NP
  • The William Owen, 6 Quay St, Haverfordwest SA61 1BG

The William Owen’s manager, Jon Blaney, told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We are proud to have become accredited with Licensing SAVI. The pub takes its responsibilities seriously and works closely with the police to ensure the venue is run to a high standard at all times with staff and customer safety paramount.”

There are six venues in Powys taking part. Chris Thompson, Manager of The Buck Inn and The Pheasant Inn, commented: “I found the [Licensing SAVI] process very easy and quick. It helps publicans highlight where improvements are needed to ensure our customers are as safe as possible. The Licensing Security & Vulnerability Initiative is a great idea. I highly recommend the scheme!”

Business

Mayor welcomes Eyemazy to Tenby with official opening

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TENBY Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan officially welcomed a unique new business to the town on Sunday (June 23) with the opening of Eyemazy, a creative studio specialising in transforming photographs of the human iris into striking pieces of personalised art.

Speaking at the launch, the Mayor said: “Tenby has always been a place of breathtaking beauty, creativity, and warm community spirit. Today, we celebrate something new that captures all of that—and more.”

Eyemazy, which offers cutting-edge imaging and custom artwork services, allows visitors to turn a close-up image of their eye into a one-of-a-kind visual display. The studio adds to Tenby’s growing reputation as a hub of artistic innovation and tourism.

“This innovative studio transforms something truly personal—your iris—into a unique work of art,” added the Mayor. “It’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the beauty within each of us. Eyemazy not only brings artistic flair to Tenby but also strengthens our local economy and continues our proud tradition of blending creativity with commerce.”

Cllr Morgan concluded by offering a warm welcome to the Eyemazy team and said he looked forward to the studio becoming a popular destination for both residents and tourists.

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Business

Pioneering aeronautical apprentice flies the flag for women in engineering

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A YOUNG apprentice from Llantrisant is breaking barriers in the aerospace industry as Wales celebrates Women in Engineering Day.

Georgia Price, 21, was the first female aeronautical engineering apprentice at Newport-based AerFin Ltd, a global aviation company specialising in aircraft and engine component support services.

Currently studying for a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of South Wales, Georgia is blazing a trail for women in STEM careers. Her achievements include winning bronze and gold medals at the Inspiring Skills Competition Wales Manufacturing Team Challenge and the Skills Academy Wales Tomorrow’s Talent Award.

Georgia said: “My advice to other women considering an engineering career is to go for it. It’s not as daunting as it may look, and everyone is so supportive and welcoming.”

Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant said: “Georgia’s success story is a beacon to all young women who may today be considering a career in engineering. Her achievements also illustrate the value of apprenticeships as a pathway into employment and further education.”

The Welsh Government has increased its support for apprenticeships despite financial challenges and the loss of European funding. Core funding has risen from £97m in 2020 to £144m in the most recent budget. Latest data published by Medr shows nearly 73,795 new apprenticeship starts have been supported during this Senedd term.

Georgia’s employer, AerFin, now has three female apprentices and is committed to developing local talent in the thriving aerospace sector.

Simon Bayliss, AerFin’s chief operating officer said: “Georgia is a great asset to the business. Apprenticeships provide the company with a great opportunity to take on and develop local talent which allows us to grow organically.”

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Business

£20m investment to secure future of Fishguard Port

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Largest ferry to visit Fishguard as Stena Line commits to long-term upgrade

FISHGUARD Port is set for a major upgrade after ferry operator Stena Line announced a £20 million investment to replace the town’s ageing linkspan bridge.

The new infrastructure, described as “overdue” by the company, will provide increased flexibility and secure the long-term viability of the Pembrokeshire port, which serves the route to Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland.

Stena Line said it hopes construction on the new drawbridge-style linkspan will begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2027. The company said the investment demonstrates a commitment to Fishguard for the next “30 to 40 years”.

Boost following Holyhead closure

Fishguard saw an unexpected increase in traffic in December 2024, after Storm Darragh damaged berthing terminals at Holyhead. The disruption meant freight traffic and ferries were redirected to Fishguard to relieve pressure on the Irish Sea route.

During this period, the Stena Adventurer — the largest ferry ever to visit the port — docked in Fishguard for the first time.

Ian Davies of Stena Line acknowledged that the new investment was long-awaited: “It’s overdue,” he said, but added that the upgraded linkspan would allow far more flexibility for vessels and scheduling in the years ahead.

Abandoned plans revived

A similar project to upgrade the port was cancelled in 2018, raising concerns locally about Fishguard’s future as a ferry terminal. At the time, tenders had already been invited for the build, but the scheme was scrapped unexpectedly.

The current single-lane linkspan, which dates back to the early 1970s, has been nearing the end of its working life for some time. Its replacement is expected to bring the port up to modern operational standards and support future vessel deployments.

Stena Line currently operates two roll-on roll-off ferry services per day between Fishguard and Rosslare.

The investment announcement has been welcomed by port users and the local community as a sign that the port will continue to play a key role in west Wales’ transport and economic infrastructure.

Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies has welcomed the news that Stena Line is
planning to invest £20 million to upgrade Fishguard port.

Mr Davies said, “I’m delighted that Stena Line is making a significant investment in the port’s
infrastructure. It’s a firm commitment from Stena Line which will secure the port for years to come.”
“The upgrading of infrastructure will enable larger ferries to berth and that could result in more
opportunities for the local economy.”
“I’m excited about this investment and I look forward to seeing the development progress.”

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