Venues

The Play Zone Code outlines requirements that have been agreed by members of the Code Partnership in relation to venues were sex between men might occur and good practice in the areas of venue safety, customer safety and staff safety.

What's in it for me?

We're keen to work together with venues to improve standards for the men who use them - and to improve their sexual health. We want people to play - and play as safely as possible. That's why Play Zone has a partnership approach.

We want venues to get on board and contribute and we're keen for the Code to become a bench mark for gay men - so when they choose a venue the Code is one of the things they take into account. We can signpost upholders of the Code here on our website which gets over 100,000 visits a month, and hopefully help men find safer places to play.

What is the code?

The Code of Good Practice has been produced by Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in full consultation with the Code Partnership and a number of venue owners, managers, promoters and staff. The partnership consists of numerous organisations and community based agencies working towards a common goal.

The full list of partnership organisations can be found here.

The aim of the Code is to create a safer environment for all users of the venue. The Code looks at minimum standards in the venue, for staff and for customers. It is hoped that the Code will help raise awareness around sexual health, maximise health promotion and help to minimize the number of new STI and HIV infections.

You can download a copy of the Code in the right panel.

Who's involved?

The Code has been created by means of partnership working with local gay venues, police services, public health units, council licensing and other statutory and non-statutory organisations. The partnership works with the intention of ensuring that there is a minimum standard by which venues will adhere to.

The Code also ensures a co-ordinated response to health issues and identified community needs by health professionals, public and voluntary sector organisations and the gay community.

What will I need to do?

The principles laid out within the Code include setting minimum standards in sex on premises venues (SoPVs) in the areas of:

• Lighting at venues
• Cleaning of venues
• Condom and lubricant distribution and access
• Information booklets available at venues
• Vaccinations of staff
• Staff training
• Drug and alcohol awareness among staff
• Sexual health awareness among staff

Venue managers voluntarily participate in the Code; agreeing to make modifications, if so required, to the venue and by attending training. Participating venues agree to abide by the standards set out in the document.

Venues that participate in the Code are asked to complete a venue audit, every 6 months, to ensure minimum standards are met. Once the venue audit has been completed the Play Zone materials are acquired by the venue.

Materials include an electronic logo for website or advertising use, A4 posters, certificate, staff manuals, the Play Zone Code and customer cards. It is recommended that venues include the Play Zone logo in all advertising to maximise its effect.

How do I sign up?

Venues wishing to participate in the Play Zone or wishing to acquire more information on the Code should get in touch:-