National Pubwatch Awards celebrate Nottingham branch

Campaigner Figen Murray was awarded the National Pubwatch Award of Merit from her campaigning work in the field of event security to make the evening and night-time economy safer.

The award is judged by members of the National Pubwatch committee and recognises the work of local Pubwatch schemes and their efforts to create safe drinking environments.

Two Pubwatches, Dalston and Taunton, were awarded highly commended at the event which is sponsored by JD Wetherspoon.

National Pubwatch is a voluntary organisation, which supports more than 800 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.

The Pubwatch has been running for 30 years with the focus to help make Nottingham city centre licensed premises safer and more vibrant places for the public and visitors to enjoy. 

Nottingham Pubwatch chair Michele Somers 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.”

At the event Figen Murray was recognised with the Award of Merit, which acknowledges the valuable contribution many individuals have made to the safety of the night-time economy.

Her son, Martyn Hett, was one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017.

Since that time, Figen has been the driving force behind ‘Martyn’s Law’; legislation that will require venues with a capacity of 100+ to improve security against the threat of terrorism.

She said: “You should be able to go out for a meal, go out to the pub, go to the cinema, watch a football match, go to a music concert and still come home after. The night time economy and hospitality industry as a whole can play such a big part in this,” she said.

“Thank you so much. I am really humbled. None of what I do is to get any accolades at all. I just want no other parent to go through what we are going through.”

National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker said it was an “honour” to celebrate the winners and finalists at the award event.

JD Wetherspoon head of legal Nigel Connor said Nottingham Pubwatch was a worthy winner. He added: “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.”