The event, held at the House of Lords last Friday (21 October) and sponsored by pub chain JD Wetherspoon, recognises the work of local Pubwatch schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff.
Judged by the National Pubwatch Committee, Reading Pubwatch was celebrated for its range of new initiatives launched over the past twelve months including a standard operating procedure for licensed premises, a drink spiking campaign, increased security searches and running anti-terrorist seminars.
Moreover, the National Pubwatch of the Year 2022 has also implemented a robust banning system that has seen more than one hundred offenders banned for a period of three months through to five years.
Reading Pubwatch honorary secretary Bill Donne 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.
Key role
“This culminated in hosting a Reading Pubwatch conference that attracted attendees from all the Evening and Night-Time Economy stakeholders.”
“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.”
Both Pontypridd and Epsom Pubwatches were also highly commended at the event by National Pubwatch, which supports more than 800 schemes nationwide.
Additionally, Paul Hegarty, who is stepping down as honorary secretary of the all-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, along with Paul Wotton, secretary of National Pubwatch, who has contributed to the success of the voluntary organisation over 25 years, were awarded Merits.
Furthermore, the Malcolm Eidmans award, which recognises the outstanding contribution made by a police officer or member of police staff in supporting pubwatch, was given to Bassetlaw district policing commander Hayley Crawford, who created the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign.
Wetherspoon’s legal director Nigel Connor said: “We are delighted to sponsor the National Pubwatch Awards in the organisation’s 25th year.
“We would like to pay tribute to National Pubwatch’s founders Raul de Vaux and Malcolm Eidmans and Bill Stone. The organisation they established has been crucial to helping local Pubwatches play a key role not only in ensuring safe hospitality venues, but safer towns and cities too.”
Safer place
The event also saw two Bravery and Meritorious Conduct Awards, which recognise individuals whose actions either saved a life or minimised physical harm in the night-time economy, presented on the night.
Leicester Arms assistant pub manager Richard Wells and customer Julien Autogue were given the award after intervening to capture a man who was attacking pedestrians and pub-goers in and around Regent Street, London, with a hammer.
They apprehended the suspect, called the police, and saved many more victims.
National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker OBE said: “Recognising best practice and people that have gone above and beyond is important for the pub and licensed trade.
“It has been a challenging year for the industry but ensuring safe drinking environments for customers and staff remains a priority.
“It is a privilege to be able to recognise best practice by rewarding Reading Pubwatch and also to highlight the contribution of those individuals who have made the sector a safer place.”