Council gives £450 bullet-proof vests to staff on 'risk' jobs

The £450 garments will be given to licensing enforcement workers in Liverpool who inspect pubs, clubs and shops - and occasionally find themselves in confrontation with licensees.

The vests will be handed to licensing staff when a job or a visit to a premises is deemed 'risky' by their bosses.

But last night, Tory leader David Cameron condemned the move as a further encroachment of the health and safety culture.

Mr Cameron said: 'I think it sends out a rather strange signal, as there has not been an event to make it necessary.

Traffic wardens in Hartlepool were issued with bullet-proof vests after many said they didn't feel safe walking the streets

'I do worry that we are getting into a health and safety culture that goes too far and almost creates problems that we are trying to sort out.'

His condemnation has been echoed by business leaders, residents and councillors who have deemed it a step too far.

As part of their work, licensing enforcement officers occasionally find themselves in situations of confrontation with licensees of pubs and clubs.

Now whenever an enforcement action is considered 'risky' then bullet-proof vests will be worn by council officers.

It is believed the council ordered the 10 vests, which cost around £450, because there have been occasions when licensing officers have been unable to accompany the police on raids on premises because they did not have the protective vests.

The body armour is being introduced in Liverpool but could soon be a common measure for licensing officers across Britain.

But business groups and councillors in the city claim the move is an over-reaction and send out the wrong message.

Cllr Joe Anderson. Labour opposition leader, said: 'I think this is just a step too far, and absolutely crazy to go ahead with such a thing.

'What is it saying about Liverpool and its image? If people feel like they need this to go into our city centre and visit pubs and clubs then we have got a serious problem and I don't believe we have. This is a sledge hammer to crack a nut.'

Frank McKenna, of lobby group Downtown Liverpool in Business, said pubs and clubs in Liverpool were among the safest in the country.

He said: 'It's a tough call. As an employer, the council has to make sure its staff has the best equipment.

'In terms of perception, Liverpool is no different to any other city. In fact, we are now among the safest in the country.'

Tory leader David Cameron said Liverpool Council's decision to give staff bullet-proof vests conveyed the wrong message about the city

Jack Stopforth, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: 'I would not criticise the city council or any employer to do what is right for staff safety. But I also don't believe the problem is as bad as this suggests.'

But Warren Bradley, leader of the council, said they had a duty to take steps to protect their staff under the Corporate Manslaughter Act.

He said: 'It is perfectly sensible to provide protective clothing to staff to wear when they are in situations assessed as risky.'

A council spokesman said: 'Licensing enforcement staff carry out a wide range of work and in some circumstances are asked to accompany police officers on operations in which they could potentially be at risk.  

'This clothing will only be used when it is deemed necessary and is designed to provide protection for every potential threat.'

Police sources said there had never been a case of a council licensing officer being shot at in Merseyside though one licensing officer needed minor hospital treatment after a recent confrontation on a job.

Sefton Council, a neighbouring authority, provides stab proof vests to its trading standards officers and  taxi licensing officers.

And further afield traffic wardens in Hartlepool were issued them after many complained they felt 'unsafe' on the job.