Staff from all three Sarnia Hotels in Guernsey have completed Safe Places training, as part of a wider bid to improve safety for everyone working in or enjoying the night time economy.

Staff from Best Western Moores Hotel, Best Western Hotel de Havelet, and Les Rocquettes Hotel, represented the group at the training provided by charity SafetyNet earlier this month. 

The charity launched the Safe Places Project locally at the start of the year. That saw the island become the first jurisdiction outside the UK to have night-time economy venues certified as ‘Safe Places’.

The initiative provides Guernsey’s bar staff with special training aimed at enhancing safety and providing “peace of mind” for everyone involved and enjoying the island’s night time economy. 

This training looks to help staff recognise vulnerabilities, prevent inappropriate behaviours, and respond appropriately to situations where someone might feel unsafe or need assistance.

From recognising signs of spiking to providing a non-judgemental response to those in distress, the training aims to equip hospitality teams with the skills and confidence to help try to keep people safe. 

Pictured: Some of the Sarnia Hotels staff and other Safe Place Project participants at the recent training. (Courtesy of Sarnia Hotels Guernsey).

58 members of the Sarnia Hotels team attended the event, underlining what the hospitality group calls it’s “ongoing commitment to guest wellbeing, professional development and community responsibility”. 

“We were so pleased to have supported this important initiative,” said Karel Harris, Managing Director of Sarnia Hotels.

“The hospitality industry plays a key role in shaping people’s experiences, both for visitors and locals.

“By taking part in the Safe Place Project, we wanted to ensure that Guernsey’s nightlife was not only fun and vibrant but also safe, inclusive, and supportive for all.”

Poppy Murray, Chair and Safety Net Founder, welcomed the support from the Sarnia Hotels Group and its staff.

“The Sarnia Hotels Group has been a fantastic supporter of our efforts to create safer nights out since our launch and were the only group to undertake the SafetyNet training in 2022,” she said.

“Their staff are enthusiastic, engaged, and genuinely committed to making a positive difference. It’s clear that creating a safe and welcoming environment for guests is a priority for the group, and we’re grateful for their continued support.”