READING’S Pubwatch has taken the top accolade at this year’s National Pubwatch Awards.
It succeeded against stiff competition from Epsom and Pontypridd’s Pubwatch schemes to take National Pubwatch of the Year 2022.
It was given at a presentation event in the House of Lords on Tuesday, October 18, with Lord Kennedy awarding the trophy to the committee’s chair, Stewart McNaught, and honorary secretary, Bill Donne.
Judged by members of the National Pubwatch committee, the awards recognise the work of local schemes to provide safe environments for staff and customers of venues.
Mr Donne said that Reading’s Pubwatch committee “Is a collaboration between the interested parties in the nighttime economy, between the council, Thames Valley Police, the venues, the business improvement district, fire and rescue services, and the street pastors, among others.
“The win is a real show of recognition of the hard work that Pubwatch has put in, especially considering we are all volunteers who give their time.”
It is the second time the committee has taken the award, having been given the title in 2007.
“We won the award fifteen years ago and I think it shows that we are still at the vanguard when it comes to supporting the nighttime economy.
“Fifteen years later it shows that we are still committed to tackling crime and disorder within the industry.”
The award was given in recognition of the work the committee has done to improve safety and standards within the industry.
In the last year, it has produced new standard operating procedure for licensed premises, increased security searches, and running anti-terrorist seminars to support licensees.
It has also launched a drink spiking campaign and continues to implement the Ask for Angela scheme as part of its efforts to maintain safety for members of the public.
It has continued to operate a robust banning policy which sees particularly disorderly patrons barred from multiple venues for a given period.
The committee has also overseen the Best Bar None accreditation scheme, which sees accreditation given to venues that keep to certain standards.
The scheme is also in the process of collaborating with sister schemes in Wokingham, Bracknell, and West Berkshire.
Mr Donne said: “Reading, and now Bracknell and West Berkshire Best Bar None schemes, will continue that work with Pubwatch.”
“I didn’t think we’d take it when I saw that we were on the shortlist- we have fended off some particularly stiff competition.”
Alexa Volker, Reading Business Improvement District 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: “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.
She continued: “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.”
As well as Reading’s committee taking the national award, the Awards of Merit, which recognise individual contribution, were given to Paul Hegarty, who is stepping down as honorary secretary of the all-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, and secretary of National Pubwatch, Paul Wotton.
The Malcolm Eidmans award, recognises police contribution to pubwatch, was given to district policing commander in Bassetlaw, Hayley Crawford, who created the Ask for Angela campaign.
The campaign tackles vulnerability in the pub and hospitality sector by providing a code word, which customers can use to seek help from bar staff safely.
