National Pubwatch – ‘Pubwatch Awards’

The National Pubwatch Awards have been established to encourage and recognise the work of local Pubwatch schemes throughout the United Kingdom and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff. We are pleased to announce that this years award is being sponsored by JD Wetherspoon.

Why enter?
We believe that Pubwatch schemes make a real contribution to the safety of people working and socialising in the night time economy. The National Pubwatch award gives your Watch the opportunity to be recognised as a good practice scheme and to help publicise and promote the Pubwatch movement.

Who can enter?
Entries are welcomed not only from the members of a Pubwatch but also anyone wishing to nominate a scheme on their behalf, with their express consent. The only stipulation is that your scheme is registered on the NPW mapping tool. There is no cost to register with us. Please note that there is an expectation that applicants are able to attend the award ceremony. We are not in a position to fund travel and overnight accommodation.

What are we looking for?

How to enter

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The National Pubwatch Awards 2024 will be launched at our next conference in Sheffield on 5 March 2024. Finalists will get to attend a prestigious awards dinner in House of Lords.

The on-line application process can be seen below. The application process is not yet open.

To see the online application form click here
To see previous Award winners read on:

2023 National Pubwatch Award Winners 

Left to right: Steve Baker OBE Chair NPW, Lord Kennedy, Lilian Greenwood MP, Michele Somers Chair Nottingham Pubwatch, Nigel Connor of JD Wetherspoons and James Slater Nottingham Pubwatch

Nottingham Pubwatch has been given the top accolade as the National Pubwatch of the Year at a prestigious event, sponsored by pub chain JD Wetherspoon, at the House of Lords.

The National Pubwatch of the Year Award, which is judged by members of the National Pubwatch Committee, recognises the work of local Pubwatch schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff. Two Pubwatches Dalston and Taunton were awarded ‘highly commended’.

National Pubwatch is a voluntary organisation, which supports over 800 Pubwatch schemes across the UK, and works to promote safe, secure and social drinking environments in all licensed premises throughout the UK.

Nottingham Pubwatch was recognised for its strong partnerships, collaboration and working relationships with key stakeholders both nationally and locally. It has been running for 30 years and is focused on ensuring Nottingham City Centre licensed premises are safer and more vibrant places for the public and visitors to enjoy.

Michele Somers, chair of Nottingham Pubwatch, said: “The committee has worked hard to establish Nottingham Pubwatch as a place for community and sharing of best practice to keep Nottingham’s Night-time Economy thriving.

“Winning the National Pubwatch Award is a huge honour. It is a testament of the dedication of members who have worked tirelessly, in collaboration with stakeholders to make Nottingham’s vibrant nightlife a safe and inclusive destination for all.”

National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker OBE said: “Nottingham Pubwatch was a worthy winner of this years’ award. Its focus on partnership working and collaboration has made Nottingham a safer environment for consumers and workers.

“The National Pubwatch Awards are so important in recognising the hard work of pubwatches, their members and individuals, in ensuring we have a safe pub and licensed trade for customers and staff.”

Wetherspoon’s head of legal, Nigel Connor, said: “This year has again seen some fantastic entries which reflect the strength of Pubwatches throughout the United Kingdom. Nottingham Pubwatch is a worthy winner and congratulations to everyone involved in the scheme. Wetherspoon is pleased to be able to help recognise the work done by all Pubwatch members as well as the authorities who cooperate with them through our continued sponsorship of the awards.”

2022 National Pubwatch Award Winners

18/10/22: Reading Pubwatch has been given the top accolade as the National Pubwatch of the Year at a glittering event, sponsored by pub chain JD Wetherspoon, at the House of Lords last night.

Left to right: Steve Baker OBE Chair NPW, Lord Kennedy, Stuart McNaught Chair Reading Pubwatch, Bill Donne Secretary Reading Pubwatch, Nigel Connor JD Wetherspoon

The National Pubwatch Award, which is judged by members of the National Pubwatch Committee, recognises the work of local Pubwatch schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff. Two Pubwatches Pontypridd and Epsom were awarded highly commended.

National Pubwatch is a voluntary organisation, which supports over 800 Pubwatch schemes across the UK, and works to promote safe, secure and social drinking environments in all licensed premises throughout the UK.

Reading Pubwatch was recognised for the range of new initiatives launched over the past twelve months including a new standard operating procedure for licensed premises, a drink spiking campaign, increased security searches and running anti-terrorist seminars. It also has a robust banning system that has had over one hundred offenders being banned for a period of three months through to five years.

Bill Donne, honorary secretary of Reading Pubwatch, said: “We are honoured to have won the prestigious National Pubwatch of the Year award against stiff competition. We are grateful for the recognition by the judging panel of our commitment to partnership working that we have developed over many years. This culminated in hosting a Reading Pubwatch conference that attracted attendees from all the Evening and Night Time Economy stakeholders.”

He added: “Representatives from the council, Police, BIDs, street pastors, Fire and Rescue, First Stop, and the SIA are all regular attendees at our monthly pubwatch meetings to provide guidance and support to members which helps Reading Pubwatch to be successful.”

2021 National Pubwatch Award Winners

Left to right Nigel Connor (JD Wetherspoon) Mark Judd (Bedsafe), Lord Kennedy & Steve Baker Chair National Pubwatch

Bedsafe, the Bedford pubwatch, has been awarded the top accolade with the National Pubwatch Award 2021.

The annual award is judged by members of the National Pubwatch Committee. This year the judges commended the social responsibility of the Bedsafe scheme, whose members work closely with the local police and council to target and reduce alcohol related disorder in the town.

The Pubwatch has a very active engagement with the team at the local Business Improvement District (BID) and has had several members, including the current chairman who sits on its committee. With its support the scheme has implemented a number of good practice initiatives to improve its communication processes and the safety of customers and staff.

For example, through BID funding, door staff are employed to deal specifically with street drinkers and beggars.

In particular, the judges highlighted the Pubwatch schemes support for those working in the wider night time economy, who have suffered assault and harassment from people who are identified as having been drinking in town centre venues.

This has resulted in six people being banned for assaulting police officers, three for assaulting door staff and one for assaulting a taxi driver.

Also highlighted was its initiative to provide first aid training to bar staff and locate first aid kits in various venues within the town centre. As a result of the first aid training, evidence has been provided to suggest that at least one life has been saved by a member of bar staff who acted quickly to perform the Heimlich Manoeuvre on a customer choking on his food.

Mark Judd, chairman of the Bedsafe Pubwatch Scheme, said the scheme has been well supported and has been very positively received by the community. He said its success was down to the fact that everyone has bought into the scheme and strong partnership working.

On receiving the National Pubwatch Award 2021 he added:  “It reinforces that what we have been doing is the right thing.  I think it will make people realise that we are leading the way, showing people how it can be done and how Pubwatch can positively protect the community.”

The nomination was supported by the Bedfordshire Police Chief Constable, the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Executive of the East of England Ambulance Trust.

Chief Constable Gary Forsyth said: “This is a brilliant scheme which has proven to be highly effective in protecting not just our own officers but importantly night time economy workers across the whole spectrum; from door staff to taxi drivers amongst many others. I commend all participants for their involvement”.

2020 National Pubwatch Award

Due to the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, which had a profound impact on the pub and hospitality trade the 2020 award was cancelled

2019 National Pubwatch Award Winners

Left to right: Lord Kennedy, Steve Baker Chair NPW, Lillian Greenwood MP, Mike Knight Chair Nottingham City Pubwatch, David Lucas Secretary Nottingham City Pubwatch and Su Cacioppo JD Wetherspoon

16/10/19: The Nottingham City Pubwatch scheme, has been awarded the annual National Pubwatch Award for its positive approach to partnership working and its efforts to promote safety in the night time economy.

Representatives from the Nottingham City scheme, together with other finalists, attended a prestigious House of Lords awards dinner last night, where they were presented with the winner’s trophy.

This year the awards event was sponsored by JD Wetherspoon.

Now in its eighth year, the National Pubwatch Awards champion the work of local Pubwatch schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff in licensed premises across the UK.

Entrants are judged by a panel of National Pubwatch Committee members, who identify the scheme which in their opinion, has made the greatest contribution to its community.

Steve Baker, Chairman of National Pubwatch said: “Pubwatch schemes, continue to demonstrate that they play a very positive role in local partnership working. I would like to congratulate all our finalists for the contribution they have made to the safety of the night time economy.”

Nottingham City Pubwatch has been in operation for over 30 years and has over 200 members on its closed Facebook page.
The city centres reputation hit an all-time low in 2007, when it received adverse publicity about the high levels of crime, which impacted on student and visitor numbers.

A leisure BID was formed and Pubwatch worked closely with it and the local authorities to address various issues. As a consequence of the combined partnership approach, the reputation of the city centre has been restored.

They have initiated or supported an impressive number of crime prevention initiatives, such as the distribution and availability of defibrillators and special medical kits for use in the case of knife attacks. They have also worked closely with other organisations to promote safety in the night time economy, a significant example of that approach is their work with Drinkaware to pilot a behaviour change intervention for vulnerable customers, which has developed into the ‘Drinkaware Crew’.

The judges highlighted two specific initiatives. Firstly, the use of a cinema for meetings; a venue which has provided an ideal space to provide specialist training to large numbers of people and the screenings of training video’s including those produced by National Pubwatch. Secondly the practical and financial support given to the local Street Pastors, who benefit from an annual contribution of £2,000.

2019 finalists left to right: Bill Donne Reading Pubwatch, Mike Knight Nottingham City Pubwatch and Victoria Walker Pontypridd Pubwatch

Also recognised as ‘Highly Commended’ were Reading and Pontypridd Pubwatch Schemes. The judges highlighted Readings work on reducing knife crime and their adoption of a dispersal policy. Pontypridd was praised for its work around safeguarding vulnerable people and its supporting relationship with the Business Improvement District.

2018  National Pubwatch Award Winners

Left to right: Lord Roy Kennedy, Steve Baker Chair NPW, Nick Halle Chair Chelmsford Pubwatch, Vicky Ford MP Chelmsford and Mellisa Yorke Diageo GB

The Pubwatch scheme, Chelmsford City, has been awarded the prestigious Diageo National Pubwatch Award for its significant role working in partnership to reduce violence and NTE crime in the city by 45%. The scheme was also commended for its work to reduce the use of fake ID and allay fears about acid attacks by distributing ‘acid attack’ kits to member premises.

At a packed ceremony in the House of Lords last night (23/10/18), attended by MPs, Lords and notable names from the pub industry, Chelmsford City Pubwatch was crowned winner of the Diageo National Pubwatch Awards for 2018.

Melissa Yorke, Sales Director GB On-Trade, commented:

“Partnership organisations like Pubwatch make a real difference to local communities and it is brilliant to see so many schemes getting involved and making an impact through this year’s Awards programme. I was hugely impressed by the work undertaken by Chelmsford City that has had such a positive impact in reducing crime amongst member organisations’ premises. I also want to congratulate Chester and Wrexham for their outstanding work”.

At Diageo, the on-trade is a crucial part of our business and we recognise its vital contribution to the night time economy as well as to the role it plays within the community and society more widely to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. That is why we are proud supporters of this year’s Award and commend all the good work it has done so far.”

Now in its seventh year, the National Pubwatch Awards, champion the work of local Pubwatch schemes throughout the UK and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff in all licensed premises. Entrants are judged by a panel of National Pubwatch Committee members and industry experts who identify the scheme which made the greatest contribution to its community.

Each local Pubwatch works in partnership with local police to reduce alcohol-related crime, while providing local pubs with information and guidance on how to ensure a safe drinking environment in their community.

Chelmsford City’s Pubwatch submission received praise across the board by the judges for its contribution to reducing violence and NTE crime in the city centre by 45%. The scheme represents 95% of city centre venues working in partnership with the police to tackle key issues including reducing the use of Fake ID and allaying fears about acid attacks

The Chelmsford scheme was described by the local Chief Superintendent as ‘without question the stand-out Pubwatch team’. In particular it was recognised for the work it has done on drug searching and seizures – having utilised a drug safe provided by Essex Police in order to meet legal obligations. This has led to a significant increase in drugs seizures in the area.

Also recognised as ‘highly commended’ at the awards were the Chester Pubwatch, which was lauded for its training and safeguarding work, and Wrexham Pubwatch, which the judges congratulated for the ‘Drink Less, Enjoy More’ campaign which focussed on refusing to serve drunks and training for door staff in the area to help them identify and protect vulnerable individuals.

2019 finalists from left to right: David Thomas Chair Wrexham Pubwatch, Nick Halle Chair Chelmsford Pubwatch and Jenni Haken Chair Chester Pubwatch

Nick Halle, Chairman, Chelmsford City Pubwatch:

‘Chelmsford City Pubwatch has forged an excellent partnership with Essex Police and other organisations and we work hard to provide our staff and customers with a safe night out. It’s great that our efforts have been recognised and I’m really proud to accept this trophy on behalf of our members’

Speaking at the awards Steve Baker, Chairman of National Pubwatch, said:

“Our finalists have yet again demonstrated that local Pubwatch schemes are working extremely hard to make licensed premises a safe and secure environment to work and socialise. It is wonderful to see the Diageo National Pubwatch Awards go from strength-to-strength, and I want to congratulate Chelmsford on their thoroughly deserved award. I am very grateful to Diageo for supporting our efforts to promote good practice and the benefits of partnership working, and I hope we can work closely together to achieve our ambitions of promoting responsible drinking for years to come.”

2017  National Pubwatch Award Winners

Left to right: Steve Baker Chair NPW, Graham Tuach Chair Romford Pubwatch, James Hall Vice-Chair Romford Pubwatch, Gavin Shuker MP  & Charles Ireland Diageo GB

The Romford Town Pubwatch scheme, has been awarded the prestigious Diageo National Pubwatch Award for its significant role in working in partnership with other organisations to halve the number of crimes in licensed premises, tackling anti-social behaviour.

At a packed ceremony in the House of Commons last night (2/11/17), attended by MPs, Lords and notable names from the pub industry, Romford Town Pubwatch was crowned winner of the Diageo National Pubwatch Awards for 2017.

Charles Ireland, General Manager Diageo Great Britain, Ireland and France, commented:

“Partnership organisations like Pubwatch make a real difference to local communities and it is brilliant to see so many schemes getting involved and making an impact through this year’s Awards programme. I was hugely impressed by the work undertaken by Romford Town that has had such a positive impact in reducing crime in their members premises. I also want to congratulate Plymouth and Windsor for their outstanding work”.

At Diageo, the on-trade is a crucial part of our business and we recognise its vital contribution to the night time economy as well as to the role it plays within the community and society more widely to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. That is why we are proud supporters of this year’s Award and commend all the good work it has done so far.”

Now in its sixth year, the Diageo National Pubwatch Awards, champion the work of local Pubwatch schemes throughout the UK and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff in all licensed premises. Entrants are judged by a panel of National Pubwatch Committee members and industry experts who identify the scheme which made the greatest contribution to its community.

Each local Pubwatch works in partnership with local police to reduce alcohol-related crime, while providing local pubs with information and guidance on how to ensure a safe drinking environment in their community.

Romford Town Pubwatch’s submission received praise across the board by the judges for reducing the number of crimes committed at Pubwatch member venues by over half (56%) in the last year. The judges sought to highlight the scheme’s holistic approach.

This included initiatives such as the use of ID scanning machines and online messaging for members to better communicate and administer its banning scheme, while also working closely with local police, medics and funding local street pastors. Romford Town Pubwatch is a relatively new scheme, established to empower local licensees within the busy night time economy to have a unified and independent voice.

Also recognised through receiving ‘highly commended’ honours at the awards were the Plymouth Pubwatch, which was lauded for its collaborative approach to tackling alcohol-related crime across member venues, and Windsor Pubwatch, which the judges congratulated for the training it has provided to its member venues.

“Our finalists have yet again demonstrated that local Pubwatch schemes are working extremely hard to make licensed premises a safe and secure environment to work and socialise. It is wonderful to see the Diageo National Pubwatch Awards go from strength-to-strength, and I want to congratulate Romford Town Pubwatch on their thoroughly deserved award. I am very grateful to Diageo for supporting our efforts to promote good practice and the benefits of partnership working, and I hope we can work closely together to achieve our ambitions of promoting responsible drinking for years to come.”

2016 National Pubwatch Award Winners

Lft to right Mark Baird Diageo, Andrew Stephenson MP, Laura Cockle Penzance & Newlyn Pubwatch, Chris Riley Rochdale Town Centre Pubwatch, Angela Crawford Orkney Pubwatch and Steve Baker Chair NPW

Local Pubwatch scheme is presented with the national award for role in the reduction of alcohol-related crime across the region,  and its commitment to partnership working, both with statutory agencies and voluntary organisations such as Street Pastors.

Penzance and Newlyn was crowned as the winner of the Diageo National Pubwatch Award at a packed ceremony in the House of Commons last night, with MPs, Lords and notable names from the pub industry in attendance.

The National Pubwatch Awards, sponsored by Diageo GB, encourage and recognise the work of local Pubwatch schemes throughout the UK and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff.  Each local organisation works closely with local police to reduce alcohol related crime, and provides local pubs with information and guidance on how to create safer drinking environments.

Now in its fifth year, the entrants were judged by a panel of National Pubwatch Committee members and industry experts.

The Penzance and Newlyn Watch was praised by judges for its outstanding ‘early intervention’ approach, including working with vulnerable people and substance abusers to identify problems before they become an issue.  The Watch was also commended for establishing an exceptional range of partnerships with the likes of Trading Standards and Addaction, a drug and alcohol treatment charity.

Judges were also particularly impressed by the Watch’s support of a ‘safe places’ scheme, providing places of sanctuary within pubs for people who may feel  vulnerable when they’re out socialising in the pub.

Mark Baird, Head of Alcohol in Society at Diageo Great Britain, commented: “Penzance and Newlyn represents all that is good about the  National Pubwatch scheme and the work that its local organisations do. They play a critical role in reducing crime, promoting responsible drinking and making pubs a safe and enjoyable place for customers and staff. 

“Pubs play such an important role in our society, bringing people together and maintaining strong social bonds. They give local people a sense of togetherness, which is more important than ever in a world where interaction increasingly happens online. Everyone, no matter who they are, should feel safe when they go out for a drink at the pub, or for a meal. 

“That’s why Diageo GB is immensely proud of our continued sponsorship of these awards, and of our work to promote responsible drinking across the UK.” 

Laura Cockle, secretary of Penzance and Newlyn Pubwatch, said: “We’re incredibly proud to win this award. Pubwatch makes real and genuine improvements to the lives of customers, staff, and the local communities they operate in. The work we do here in Cornwall is testament to that. We work over a 30 mile radius, supporting hundreds of pubs and making them safe, fun environments to socialise in. Our work with Addaction in particular, focused on training staff on how to deal with substance abusers, is a real source of pride for us.  As are the links we have established with a range of other organisations across the area. That strong level of collaboration is key to fighting alcohol related crime and developing initiatives that deliver results.” 

Speaking at the awards Steve Baker, Chairman of Diageo National Pubwatch, said: “I am constantly amazed by the calibre of the finalists at the awards. The work they do, and the dedication they show, is outstanding – which is true of Pubwatch schemes across the country. Pubs should be a fun and safe place to socialise and celebrate with family, friends and colleagues. National Pubwatch plays such an important role in making that a reality, and the local watches we support have become vital parts of their local community. I would like to thank Diageo for making these awards possible, and for supporting our work more broadly to promote responsible drinking and safer drinking environments across the UK.”

 

2015 National Pubwatch Award Winners

Durham was crowned as the winner of the Diageo National Pubwatch Award at a packed ceremony in the House of Commons on 22 October 2015, with MPs, Lords and notable names from the pub industry and other stakeholders in attendance.

The annual award, now in its fourth year, showcases the work that local PubWatch schemes do throughout the UK to help create safer drinking environments. Entrants are judged by a panel of National PubWatch Committee members and industry experts, who identify the scheme which made the greatest contribution to its community. The Durham PubWatch’s submission was aided by glowing endorsements from local police about the work done to promote the Best Bar None award scheme, which was created to promote the responsible management and operation of licensed premises.

The Durham Watch ‘stepped well beyond the expectations of a normal scheme’, according to the judges, who were struck by its ability to work successfully in close partnership with Durham City authorities. That work includes initiatives to help train licensees, bar staff, and door staff on best practice, and clampdown on violent and disorderly incidents at licensed establishments, which has contributed to a 15% drop in alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the city over the past year.

The judges were particularly impressed by the Watch’s involvement in the City Safety Group scheme to improve public safety around rivers, particularly for those under the influence of alcohol. Various new initiatives have been introduced in pubs and clubs in the city, and volunteer wardens now patrol the city’s river banks to help those at risk. The measures are a response to a number of tragic deaths in the city centre since 2013, with three university students drowning since 2013.

Mark Baird, Head of Alcohol in Society at Diageo Great Britain, commented: “Durham is a shining example of the valuable work done by PubWatch’ schemes to create safer drinking environments across the country, and I speak for everyone at Diageo GB when I say I am immensely proud of our continued sponsorship of this award. The on-trade sector plays a vital role in bringing local communities together. Everyone should be able to feel safe and enjoy themselves when they go out for a drink or a meal with friends or family which is why we continue to support schemes designed to create the friendliest and safest possible drinking environments in all licensed premises.”

Andy Hughes, chairman of Durham PubWatch, said: “Pubwatch is a scheme that allows licenced premises, along with the local council and police, to make a real improvement to the safety and enjoyment of staff and customers of a town or city’s pubs and clubs, thus improving footfall and business for everyone, whilst lessening the demand for already stretched emergency services. It’s a real team effort from all of the licensees and it’s great for us to be recognised for the work we put into improving all aspects of the night time economy.”

Speaking at the awards Steve Baker, Chairman of National PubWatch, said: “I would like to congratulate this year’s winners Durham PubWatch scheme, and our highly commended schemes, Glasgow City and Consett & District for the work they do. These schemes provide ample evidence PubWatch plays a vitally important role in keeping the pubs and bars and the wider public areas of our towns and cities a safer place to work and socialise. I would also like to warmly thank Diageo for supporting our work and providing such a wonderful opportunity for local PubWatch schemes to demonstrate their good practice and to receive acknowledgment from the wider industry”.

Two other Pubwatch schemes, in Glasgow and Consett, were also shortlisted for the award. They were both acknowledged by judges for demonstrating an outstanding contribution to promoting social responsibility in their local areas.

 

From left to right: Andrew Stephenson MP, Richard Barlow Diageo GB, Steve McGeady Glasgow City Pubwatch, Helen Towns Durham Pubwatch, Martyn Milburn Consett Pubwatch, Andy Hughes Durham Pubwatch, Steve Baker Chair National Pubwatch

2014 National Pubwatch Award Winners

Droylsden’s Pubwatch wins national award for saying no to anti-social behaviour and barring local criminals, to create an enjoyable and safe atmosphere for the local community.

Droylsden’s Pubwatch receives the Diageo National Pubwatch Award 2014 in front of MP’s and some of the most influential members of Britain’s pub industry at a ceremony in Westminster. The award is the result of the efforts of Diageo and National Pubwatch to recognise the work of local Pubwatch schemes throughout the United Kingdom. Most notably, their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff.

Droylsden’s Pubwatch was established in 2012 following a gangland shooting in a local pub, which ultimately led to the murder of two young female police officers in the area. Police responded strongly to the unusual circumstances by issuing a closure order for all pubs and restaurants in the area in an effort to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. To show their collective support, the area’s 30 pubs and restaurants agreed to band together to issue known criminals with lifetime bans from all licensed premises.

Despite threats and violence, the pubs and pub owners have remained dedicated to the cause. They have implemented a ‘call around’ policy which involves pubs calling other pubs to alert them to any anti-social behaviour and they proudly demonstrate their commitment to the scheme with their distinctive Pubwatch posters and bar staff wearing a special Droylsden Pubwatch t-shirt.

Speaking on the success of the awards, Mark Baird, Head of Alcohol in Society at Diageo Great Britain, commented ” At Diageo Great Britain we are proud of the success of the Pubwatch Award; over the past three years it has grown from strength to strength. The Droylsden case in particular exemplifies how partnership schemes like Pubwatch make a real difference to local communities. We are committed to supporting the on-trade sector and want to congratulate Droylsden for showcasing how business can come together so brilliantly”.

Steve Baker, Chairman of National Pubwatch, said “Thanks to Diageo we have been able to acknowledge the wonderful work of local Pubwatch schemes throughout the UK via this award. We offer our congratulations to this year’s winners Droylsden and our Highly Commended schemes Hereford and Westminster. I hope these great examples inspire others to look at what they can achieve within their own communities”.

 

From left to right: Steve Baker-Chair NPW, Andrew Cowan-CEO Diageo GB, Alan Graham-Droylsden Pubwatch, Dan Guerche-Hereford Against Night Time Disorder (HAND), Karl Rogers-Westminster South Licensed Premises Group, Lord Rupert Redesdale.

 

2013 National Pubwatch Award Winners

On 10 July 2013 the Diageo National Pubwatch Awards 2013 were presented at the Annual All-Party Parliamentary Beer Awards Dinner with the Blackpool Pubwatch scheme scooping the top prize. The scheme’s impressive range of responsible drinking initiatives and clear commitment to working with partners throughout the local community was applauded by the judges.

Also recognised through receiving ‘highly commended’ honours at the awards were the Dalston Pubwatch and Bawtry Licence Watch; with the judges congratulating the teams for demonstrating an outstanding contribution to promoting social responsibility in their local areas. The judges praised the finalists for their commitment to working with local police, councils and residents to find solutions to local issues affecting their areas. For example:

• • In addition to delivering an impressive range of initiatives and advanced training to all scheme members in conflict management, drug awareness and first aid, Blackpool Pubwatch has also created a ‘Late Night Crime Reduction Fund’ which will aim to finance initiatives such as Taxi-Marshalls
  • Dalston Pubwatch operators contribute to a voluntary fund to pay for council wardens to patrol the streets on the busiest nights of the week. The wardens target the streets with the highest levels of complaints from residents and can issue fines for those caught committing anti-social behaviour
  • The Bawtry Licence Watch team fund two Security Industry Authority licensed Nightlife Ambassadors, who patrol the town centre with radios and cameras, offering support and advice to those visiting the area at night and reporting any issues or concerns directly to the police

Mark Baird, Head of Industry Affairs and Alcohol Policy at award sponsors Diageo GB, said: “Partnership schemes like Pubwatch make a real difference to local communities and it is fantastic to see so many more places getting involved in the programme through this year’s awards. Recognising the vital contribution that the night time economy makes, at Diageo we are committed to supporting the on-trade sector and we want to congratulate Blackpool, as well as Dalston and Bawtry, for setting such a high standard and demonstrating so brilliantly what can be achieved.”

Steve Baker, Chairman of National Pubwatch, said: “This is the second year running that we have been able to make this award available to local Pubwatch schemes thanks to Diageo’s support and we are delighted with both the number and quality of applications received. The awards acknowledge the fantastic work undertaken by local Pubwatch Schemes across the UK and their efforts to improve safety for all. We offer our congratulations to this year’s winners and hope the great example that Blackpool, Dalston and Bawtry have set, inspires others to look at what they can do within their own communities.”

 

Left to right Craig Southall (Blackpool), Paula Wigglesworth (Bawtry) and Dan Beaumont (Dalston)

 

2012 National Pubwatch Award Winners

On 16 May 2012, At the Annual All-Party Parliamentary Beer Awards Dinner, the first ever NPW Award was presented to the Northampton Pubwatch Scheme. The schemes impressive range of responsible drinking initiatives and clear commitment to partnership working was singled out by the judges. Also recognised as ‘highly commended’ at the awards celebration were finalist schemes Chester and Aylesbury Pubwatch; commended by the judges for demonstrating an outstanding contribution to promoting social responsibility in their local areas.

Martijn Van Buuren On-Trade Channel Director for Diageo GB; presented all three finalists with their awards, which were judged by a panel of National Pubwatch Committee members and industry experts.

Steve Baker, Chairman of National Pubwatch said “We are delighted with the number and quality of entrants received for this awards launch. The National Pubwatch Award acknowledges the fantastic work and great practice undertaken by local Pubwatch Schemes across the UK and their efforts to improve safety for all”.

 

Photograph
From left: Kyle Michael Aylesbury Pubwatch, Neil Bartholomey Northampton
Pubwatch, and Frank Marnell Chester Pubwatch.