Pubwatch: licensees need same protection as nurses

Licensees should be given the same level of protection from assault as nurses, according to the group National Pubwatch.

The group, which supports pubwatch schemes across the country, wants to see more protection for pub staff who face assault for refusing entry to a customer or refuse to serve somebody a drink.

Steve Baker, chairman of National Pubwatch, has made the call in response to a consultation launched by the Sentencing Council on guidelines around assault.

"Here we have people who work in a difficult trade who if they fail in their duty, in the way that they serve alcohol, they face prosecution," said Baker.

"Let's have a level playing field. If they are assaulted through no fault of their own they should be protected."

Pubwatch is also keen that all assaults go to court, which follows on from its campaign last year 'Court Not Caution'.

Along with the letter, Baker has included a DVD which details the cases of six licensees who were assaulted by customers - all of whom only received a fine upon conviction.

The group also argued there should be greater consistency in sentencing and that this - and not necessarily longer sentences - would help restore public confidence.