ABSTRACT
Violence at work, and within the licensed trade in particular, is an issue which can command a high profile within companies and communities. Drug use in public houses is a significant problem which has been associated with violence and aggressive behaviour. Violence can arise from the effects of specific drugs, from arguments over financial transactions or from disputes between rival dealers. It is important that an organisation’s response to violence is multi-faceted and that actions are targeted at prevention and rehabilitation and are fully integrated within a uniform and common strategy. Information from the reporting system is used to update and inform the training of licensees. A questionnaire-based stress audit served to corroborate the status of violence as a significant source of stress for licensees. The Allied Domecq Retailing policy statement was briefed to the main board, line managers and licensees via a variety of existing communication channels to ensure that all staff were made aware of the document.
