Local PSCO Lee Garrett organised and hosted a talk with licensees from local pubs in Powys on Wednesday, to focus on keeping people safe in the run-up to Christmas.

Gathering at The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell, publicans heard more from DPP representatives on a host of important initiatives, including the Behaviour or Be Banned (B.O.B) scheme, which aims to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Alcohol-related bad behaviour is an occurrence many licensees will face, and community policing helps keep local establishments safe.

Meanwhile, PSCO Emma Clark also launched ‘Ask for Angela’ and the Anti-drink Spiking Campaign.

Ask For Angela is the name of a campaign started in 2016 that is used by bars and other venues to keep people safe from vulnerable situations by using a codeword to identify when they are in danger or are in an uncomfortable situation.

The hope is that by implementing this program on the premises, a person who believes themselves to be in danger can ask for Angela, a fictitious member of the staff, therefore alerting the staff to a possibly dangerous situation. This gives the staff the prompt to help the person into a safer position. The program was started in Lincolnshire by Inspector Hayley Crawford. "Ask For Angela" is named in remembrance of Angela Crompton, a woman who was abused and killed by her husband in 2012 when an argument about redecorating a house got out of control. Since its launch in 2016, it has been adapted around the UK to help promote safety and wellbeing for anyone who finds themselves vulnerable.

Drink Spiking continues to be a risk, and the campaign gives practical advice and guidance on what you can do when out and about during the party season to keep yourself safe.

Useful tips include never leaving drinks unattended, and avoiding accepting drinks from people outside your social circle.

A talk was given by Rod Bowen Police Licensing officer regarding Martyn’s Law which will offer support guidance and training which will embed best practices and drive standards in the UK.

Martyn's Law is a tribute to Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2007.