Conference 2018
Our 15th National Conference was held at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nottingham, where a total of 174 delegates attended, despite inclement weather. Delegates were able to gain updates on a range of relevant and topical issues. They were able to network with other delegates and identify tasks that they wished to take home for discussion with their colleagues and partner agencies. Those attending, again received a comprehensive delegate pack.
Attendee’s included representatives from Pubwatches, Local Authority Trading Standards and Licensing Departments, Community Safety Officers, Police Forces, Association of Town and City Centre Managers, Chambers of Commerce, licensing trade associations, pub companies, training companies, the legal profession, a relevant Government Department and some charities.
Speakers comprised:
- Steve Baker, Chair, National Pubwatch
- Chief Constable Craig Guildford, Nottinghamshire Police
- David Humphries, Security Industry Authority, Director of Partnerships and Interventions
- Jonathon Swaine, Managing Director, Fullers Inns
As in recent years, two separate awards were again presented to individuals. They were:
- the National Pubwatch ‘Award of Merit’, in recognition of work carried out in support of a local Pubwatch and
- the ‘Malcolm Eidmans Award’, in memory of our former Secretary
Steve Baker
As chair of National Pubwatch, Steve welcomed all present and thanked the Security Industry Authority for sponsoring this Conference. He also thanked our other sponsors, supporters and delegates. He drew the delegates attention to the short radio adverts that had been played while they were finding their seats, and the new short film on ‘Drugs and Pubs’ all of which can be found on our web site. He explained that all National Pubwatch members are volunteers; that the speakers and facilitators have freely given up their time for this 15th Conference in our 21st year. He mentioned that our current Good Practice Guide may need to be altered following the publication of new General Data Protection Regulations. Stephen Walsh, QC, who previously updated this document and has participated in many of our previous Conferences, has agreed to undertake this task. Steve drew delegates’ attention to the new free support offered by the Licensed Trade Charity and mentioned that applications process for the 2018 Diageo National Pubwatch Awards will open on 2 April.
Craig Guildford
As the local Nottinghamshire Chief Constable, Craig explained that he has been involved with Pubwatches in a number of previous police forces. There are many local successes where the work is undertaken by good local people coming together to make everyone safe. Nottinghamshire has 23 Pubwatch schemes ranging from small to large, such as the Nottingham city centre scheme. Successes include establishing Purple Flag and Best Bar None status both in this city and countywide. The LAAA’s are progressing well with a range of local partnerships being developed both in the day and night time economy. Local social media platforms have been established, with vulnerability being particularly addressed. The City council is also working with police to help to pedestrianise some areas.
David Humphries
As a key individual within the Security Industry Authority, David was pleased that his organisation was able to sponsor this Conference. They are the UK Government’s regulator for private security, involving 330,000 persons, of which 200,000 are door supervisors. Whilst he appreciates the good work of the majority, he is aware of lower standards of others. Success happens when we all work together. Particular attention is now being given to protecting the vulnerable and violence reduction, which is often linked to drugs and alcohol. The public, private and voluntary sectors have created a group that is focussing on training, kit and equipment, communication and guidance, reporting of, and learning from, incidents, enforcement – follow intelligence and safeguarding the vulnerable. The SIA also has an approved contractor scheme and an awareness of counter terrorism issues.
Jonathon Swaine
As the Managing Director of Fullers Inns, he oversees 4,500 team members in 400 pubs located south of Birmingham and a brewery in Chiswick. There are ‘service coaches’ in every pub. Today there is the smoking ban, more sobriety and a rising trade of eating out where iPhones are often used for making bookings. Two thirds of alcohol is purchased in the ‘off’ trade’ and there is an increase in drinking at home with less alcohol being drunk. We need to collaborate our responses on the following: Terrorism – The London Bridge incident in June 2017 led to the doors of pubs in the vicinity being closed by security staff. Having a Pubwatch there would have been very helpful. Sexual harassment – we need to provide the tools for our staff, such as support and training when this occurs. The ‘Ask For Angela’ campaign and poster has been very useful here. More inclusion – we need to nudge communities to help and support the high number of older people living alone.
Presentations from the event:
David Dadds-Employment Legislation in the Night Time Economy
Joanna Cox-Brown and Chris Stevens-Dealing with Vulnerability in the Night Time Economy
National Pubwatch Award of Merit
This ‘Award of Merit’, sponsored by David Dadds, is now in its ninth year. It is given to those people who National Pubwatch feel have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their local scheme. The trophy was presented this year by Chief Constable Craig Guildford.
The Award of Merit was given to:
Emma Willder – Chair of Lytham St Anne’s Pubwatch, Lancashire
For more information see https://www.nationalpubwatch.org.uk/pubwatch-awards/pubwatch-award-of-merit/
The Malcolm Eidmans Award, now in its sixth year, is in memory of our former Secretary, and is given to a member of police staff who has demonstrated considerable commitment to supporting local Pubwatch schemes. Trophies were presented this year to two persons by Chief Constable Craig Guildford.
Kevin Roberts – Police Licensing Officer in Shrewsbury, West Mercia Police
Paul Horton – Police Licensing Officer in south Nottingham, Nottinghamshire Police
For more information see https://www.nationalpubwatch.org.uk/pubwatch-awards/police-staff/
Delegates were also able to attend two of four Breakout Sessions:
Legal Issues
facilitated Gary Grant, Barrister and James Rankin, Barrister
They introduced some recent and proposed reforms including the (a) Modern Crime Prevention Strategy 2016, where there are six main drivers – opportunity, character, effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System, profit, drugs and alcohol (b) the Policing and Crime Act 2017, where different sections are being phased in (c) the Immigration Act 2016, where a large section deals with illegal workers (d) Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, particularly relating to ‘legal highs’ and lastly (e) the potential impact of Brexit on the hospitality sector where a high degree of workers are from outside the UK.
Dealing with Vulnerability in the Night Time Economy
facilitated by Joanna Cox-Brown, Nighttime Economy.com and Police Constable Chris Stevens, Nottinghamshire Police.
Jo explained 27% of town and city centre turnover in the UK is generated by the NTE. This involves 1.3 million jobs, of which 75% are entry level by 18-25 year olds, with half of them coming from outside the UK. Chris stated that sexual offending, and violence are the main issues facing the police service. There is a culture of tolerance of both alcohol and drug use. There is a national rise in violent crime and partnership working is crucial to address alcohol- related harm, vulnerability and reducing risks. Pre-loading leads to intoxicated people in the NTE before they enter any licensed premises. Thus, local authorities, the voluntary sector, education and businesses need to work more creatively. Jo then introduced a range of initiatives that are taking place across the UK, many of which are having a positive effect on these issues.
Employment Legislation in the Night Time Economy
facilitated by David Dadds, Dadds LLP and Stuart Cooper, Bank of England, Manager of Banknote Engagement Team.
David concentrated his session on illegal workers in licensed premises. He outlined both the risks for employers and introduced three simple steps on how to ensure the correct documents are produced for checking. Stuart encouraged targeted training in the checking of banknotes, where being proactive will reduce the risk of financial loss and reputation. Organisations are encouraged to follow six guiding principles. A group of strategic partners has been established, National Pubwatch being one of them. He also stated that all information and materials are free. Counterfeit currency is made by organised gangs, with the £20 and £50 notes being targeted. The polymer version of the former will be introduced in 2020. Mystery shopper surveys are occasionally conducted. In 2017, 40% of notes were checked compared to 26% the previous year.
Reducing Violence in Nottinghamshire’s Night Time Economy
facilitated by Ed Bateman and Nigel Davies, Security Industry Authority Partnerships and Interventions and Chief Inspector Mark Stanley, Nottinghamshire Police.
Ed expanded on what David Humphries introduced in his speech at the beginning of this Conference. He explained that a considerable number of applications are refused or revoked and much intelligence generated. Working in partnership with licensing bodies and enforcement agencies is key to raising standards and protecting the public. Strategies are in place to deal with and to report any cases of child sexual exploitation, terrorism, modern day slavery, serious and organised crime, violence and vulnerability. Thus, those they register need to be alert to suspicious and unusual behaviour. Mark introduced three core aims for the police service which lead to a range of core challenges – safe spaces, engaging with the whole evening and night time economy staff, preventing sale to drunken persons, sharing intelligence and designing out crime.
Personnel for 14 display stands were able to attend despite the inclement weather. They comprised some of our sponsors, national organisations, training companies, legal profession, trade and local initiatives. All displays were well attended by delegates.
The committee again really wish to thank all the sponsors for supporting this conference. They include the Security Industry Authority, British Beer and Pub Association, Stonegate Pub Company, JD Wetherspoon, Diageo GB, Punch Taverns, Enterprise Inns, Deltic Group, Fullers, McMullen, Unite The Union, CPL Training and Dadds Solicitors. We would also like to thank the speakers, Breakout Session facilitators and all the other contributors for sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise. Additionally, we thank the staff at The Crowne Plaza Hotel for their assistance and support in ensuring the smooth running of this conference. Finally, we naturally wish to thank all the delegates who attended.
The number of completed evaluation forms collected was 79, a similar figure to last year. Your comments greatly assist us in measuring the value of the content and organisation of this Conference. They also help us plan for the next one.