National Pubwatch launches campaign to protect pub workers from assault

The group is asking its members to display posters reading “I am vulnerable” ‘back of house’ in their pubs to remind staff to report all cases of assault and to remind investigating officers that assaulting a bar worker is an “aggravating factor” under the Sentencing Council, meaning that it increases the severity or culpability of the act.

The poster also states that publicans who have been the victim of an assault are entitled to make a Victims Personal Statement at the same time as a witness statement to explain the impact of the crime.

National Pubwatch chair Steve Baker said: “It’s probably not something in the forefront of every police officer’s mind when they are deciding whether to charge or more often than not - caution an offender.

“However this is quite an important issue for Pubwatch members because you are literally on the front line; the gate-keepers if you like, who should be preventing the sale of alcohol to the under-age or drunks. Fail and you could face sanctions and possibly lose your livelihood; act responsibly on the other hand and refuse the sale and you may have to deal with someone who might not take kindly to the rejection and could lash out.

“We know that most people accept that there are risks associated with working in the night time economy - however we believe that when things go wrong you should expect to be supported by the Criminal Justice System.”

Earlier this year an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill was proposed to introduce a specific offence of assaulting a worker selling alcohol. However, it was rejected after Minister of State for Justice Lord Faulks insisted enough legislation already exists to protect pub staff.