Conference 2019
Our 16th National Conference was held at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Chester, where a total of 181 delegates attended.Delegates were able to listen and contribute to updates on a range of relevant and topical issues.They were also able to network with other delegates and return home with various tasks 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, Business Improvement Districts, Police Forces, Association of Town and City Centre Managers, Chambers of Commerce, licensing trade associations, pub companies, training companies, licensing consultants, the legal profession, security specialists, a relevant Government Department and some charities.
Speakers comprised:
- Steve Baker, Chair, National Pubwatch
- Assistant Chief Constable Matt Burton, Cheshire Police
- Elizabeth France, Security Industry Authority, Chair
- Ian Payne MBE, Chair, Stonegate Pub Company
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 to our 16th annual Conference in our 22nd year. He gave a particular welcome to our new President, Lord Kennedy of Southwark, and thanked the Security Industry Authority for sponsoring this Conference.He also thanked our other sponsors, supporters, delegates and display personnel.
Matt Burton
Matt welcomed delegates to Chester and thanked its Pubwatch and partners for the receipt of the Purple Flag Award last year.He stated that Pubwatch and its partners are key, with their eyes and ears on the ground, to tackle the variety of threats we face today to ensure we keep safe.
Elizabeth France
Elizabeth stated that the SIA was very proud to sponsor this Conference and supported the high standard of partnership that was taking place.She explained that the SIA was established in 2001 as a UK wide organisation to address public protection and contribute to the reduction of crime and disorder, yet support business growth.They license individual operators, set approved standards of conduct, maintain a register including the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).They aim to raise standards whereby buyers of security use the ACS and develop professionalism.hey are currently reviewing the qualifications of individual operators and developing a Code of Conduct for them to become more accountable for their conduct and behaviour.Key areas of work are, counter terrorism, violence in the night-time economy and sharing intelligence.Due to the current workload of the Government, non-legislative solutions are being sought to address a range of issues.
Ian Payne
Ian founded this business in 2010. He purchased some ‘wet-leg’ pubs, which has now grown to 772 sites across the UK. The branded bars include such pubs as the Slug and Lettuce, Walkabouts, premium cocktail bars and gay bars. The unbranded bars include traditional pubs, student bars, Classic Inns and trendy bars. In high streets, licensed premises are key to a vibrant business here. Stonegate are great supporters of Pubwatch with 75% of their sites a member. 77% and 89% say this improves relationships with neighbours and with police and the local authority respectively. 68% say it also helps reduce crime. His company is the largest consumer of security staff to ensure his customers and staff are kept safe. Scanning machines, wands and knife arches at certain locations and refusals shown on tills are some of the actions taken. He is currently investing in body cams, enhanced training and medic support.
Following lunch there were two short presentations:-
Paula Smith – Licensed Trade Charity – showed a short film promoting the practical support her charity could offer.She encouraged the use of the Helpline.
David Dadds – Solicitor – reminded delegates about the enhanced data protection guidance, which also applies to all Pubwatches, as they process data.There are seven guiding principles.The data should be kept to demonstrate compliance.Pubwatch delegates were referred to the National Pubwatch Good Practice Guide, within which there is a section on this topic.
Presentations from the event:
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 Assistant Chief Constable Matt Burton.
The Award of Merit was given to:
Sharon Fiddler, Chair of Doncaster Pubwatch
For more information see https://www.nationalpubwatch.org.uk/news/npw-conference-awards-2019/
The Malcolm Eidmans Award, sponsored this year by CPL Training, is now in its seventh year.This Award 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.The trophy was presented this year by Assistant Chief Constable Matt Burton.
Simon Wheeler, Neighbourhood officer, Reading, Thames Valley Police
For more information see https://www.nationalpubwatch.org.uk/news/npw-conference-awards-2019/
There followed a special award to our Chair, Steve Baker, who received the Jeremy Allen Award at the Institute of Licensing late last year. Our Committee thought it appropriate that he received it again in the presence of everyone present.
Delegates were also able to attend two of four Breakout Sessions:
Legal Issues
facilitated Stephen Walsh and Gary Grant, Barristers.
Stephen introduced aspects relating to immigration and licensing, specifically the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, where the Home Office are reminding licensees to check the identity of employees. Mention was also made of the Guidance to the Licensing Act 2003, where the prevention of crime includes immigration status.Currently, several local authorities are taking premises to review.
The possible impact of Brexit was also briefly addressed regarding ‘settlement status’.Gary spoke about Cumulative Impact Policies (CIP) explaining that there are currently 202 geographic areas within 107 local authorities.Initially, Westminster Council brought this in under public entertainment licenses, was challenged and won the appeal at the high court.This is now embraced within legislation – s.141 Policing and Crime Act 2017, requiring assessment, consultation and evidence.Each CIP must be reviewed within three years.
The SIA – Standards and Partnerships
facilitated by David Humphries, Tony Holyland, Billy Robinson (Capricorn Security) and Bill Fox (Maybo).
A short social media film was shown highlighting some door staff acting inappropriately in Manchester.The profession had been subjected to an influx of ‘bad’ people including those running firms.Additionally, it was found that qualifications are too easy in some places thus giving the profession no room for complacency.At the same time, devastating levels of assaults, abuse and threats on door staff have been taking place.This work-related violence is unpredictable.To combat this, both pro-active and re-active strategies have been developed.The former includes primary, secondary and tertiary strategies, whereas the latter includes risks and a needs-based approach, with refresher training a key issue. Incidents that trigger unwarranted behaviour may start with a minor matter and then develop fast.Deaths involving door staff often follow common themes, usually following ejection from a venue, so communication with that person is very important.The use of hand cuffs was raised.This is not supported by either the SIA or the police.Risk assessment regarding their use should include whether staff have been trained, is it proportionate and could such use could be construed as an assault.
Pubwatch Working with BIDs and Partners
facilitated by James Hitchin, Shrewsbury BID.
He explained how he integrated the local Pubwatch with the BID, which led to various projects being developed.He liaised with the local Residents Association and introduced a Night Bus Service due to a lack of late-night public transport and taxis.Once demand was established, it was introduced at a low cost but required 50% capacity, with SIA personnel at each bus stop.They were also trained to help people who had fallen into the river, quite a frequent occurrence. Eventually, another bus company took over and taxi coverage also improved.
Counter Terrorism in the Night-Time Economy
facilitated by Detective Inspector Simon Broadhurst, Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit and Claudia Lundie, SIA.
The SIA has been working with Police Scotland on a ‘You Can Act’ pilot scheme.There have been numerous terrorist incidents both at home and abroad over the past few years.The ‘Contest’ strategy was introduced nationally in 2003 as a response to global events.It has four strands – Pursue/Prepare/Protect/Prevent.Its aim is to reduce the risk to the UK and its interests overseas from terrorism so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence.The current threat level in the UK is ‘severe’, indicating that an attack is highly likely.Based on intelligence, the organisational response levels are Exceptional/Heightened/Normal.The threat groups are international terrorism and domestic extremism. The current method of the former is to aim to kill using vehicle and knives with the UK suffering five such attacks last year.Delegates were encouraged to access on-line NaCTSO’s Crowded Places Guidance together with a range of other advice and guidance for the night-time economy.
Personnel for 12 display stands were able to attend.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, Deltic Group, Fullers, McMullen, Unite the Union, CPL Training, Scannet OBG/ID Scan, Star Pubs and Bars, Ei Group PLC, Licensing Defence Barristers 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 89, a slight increase from last year.Your comments always greatly assist us in determining the relevance of the content and the effectiveness of the organisation of this Conference.They also help us whether to hold and how to plan any further similar event.