WAVE, which stands for Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement, is training designed for people working in licensed premises and the wider night-time economy. It helps staff recognise when someone is vulnerable and know how to respond. Vulnerability can come from intoxication, drugs, being separated from friends, a dead phone, mental health crises, being targeted by sexual predators or simply being young and far from home. The training covers spotting predatory behaviour, such as someone plying another person with drinks or steering them away from friends, and practical interventions like reuniting groups, calling taxis or using safe spaces.
Many licensing authorities and police forces encourage or require it, sometimes as a licence condition. The core lesson is that refusing service or ejecting someone does not end the duty of care: putting a vulnerable person onto the street alone at two in the morning can put them in serious danger. Good venues pair WAVE with clear procedures and partnerships with street pastors and local safe havens.
What we ask on the show
- What did WAVE training change about how your team works?
- How do you balance refusing service with keeping someone safe?
- Who in your area helps vulnerable people after venues close?
- Should welfare training be mandatory for all bar staff?