Reading’s Pubwatch wins National Pubwatch of the Year

READING’S Pubwatch scheme has won the National Pubwatch of the Year.

The prestigious national award was announced at a ceremony held at the House of Lords in London on Tuesday 18 October.

The 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’.

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.

Reading Pubwatch is made up of representatives from managers of licensed premises across the borough, supported by Reading Central & Abbey Quarter BID, Reading Council, Thames Valley Police, Reading Street Pastors, South Central Ambulance Service, Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service, First Stop First Aid and the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

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.”

Alexa Volker, Reading BIDs Manager, said: “The BID has worked closely with Reading’s PubWatch for many years.  Together with the PubWatch Committee and venues we have been able to support projects and initiatives that assist and promote our vibrant nighttime economy.  Seeing Reading PubWatch receive this national award makes us proud to work alongside them as we know the effort and dedication they all have in making our town centre a great place to visit.”

Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities (which includes responsibilities for premises licences):  “I’m proud that Reading’s Pubwatch has received the recognition it deserves. Reading’s night-time economy is a valued aspect of this town for the jobs it brings with it and the business it encourages. It is all the more critical therefore that our vibrant scene is a safe environment for those wishing to enjoy our Town Centre offerings after hours.  Reading Pubwatch excels at just that and is an excellent example of partnership working and the sharing of best practice. This prestigious national accolade awards justifiably the dedicated work our staff and all our partners have achieved in making the town centre a safer place for everyone.”

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.

For more information on the awards visit: www.nationalpubwatch.org.uk/news/best-practice-rewarded-by-national-pubwatch-at-glittering-awards-dinner-at-house-of-lords-