KEY STAKEHOLDERS in Reading’s night-time economy met for the latest regular meeting discussing business, licensing, and safety last week.
Representatives from bars and pubs in the town were joined by those from Reading Borough Council and Reading’s Business Improvement Districts.
Reading Pubwatch launched the Best Bar None accreditation scheme for venues in Reading, which was part of its focus on a close working partnership between stakeholders in the night-time economy.
This means regular communication between Thames Valley Police, Reading Council, Street Pastors, First Stop First Aid, the Business Improvement District, and venues.
This month’s meeting saw a talk from Alexa Volker, manager of the Reading BIDs, discussing the town’s application for Purple Flag status as well as upcoming plans to deliver Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement resources.
It also covered the sponsorship by the BIDs of safety kits for venues which included supplies of anti-drink-spiking equipment, spike testing kits, and tourniquet packs.
members of Reading Borough Council’s public health team also held a quiz highlighting the health impacts of smoking, including an examination of the reduction in heart attack hospital admissions following the smoking ban in 2007.
Robert Smalley, Licensing Officer for the Council, also briefed members about the changes in the pavement café licensing legislation.
Alexa Volker said: “The BID is pleased to support Reading’s thriving night time economy venues with many projects and initiatives around safety and vulnerability.
“From Ask 4 Angela posters to Emergency First Aid at Work courses we aim to bring businesses practical solutions.
“The PubWatch meetings allow us to see all the venues in one place and share messages more
effectively as well as distribute safety kit and promote courses.”
Robert Smalley said: “We in the Licensing team at Reading Borough Council appreciated the opportunity to attend this PubWatch meeting.
“It was a good opportunity to update members on the recent change in pavement café licensing following Schedule 22 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 coming into force and to answer members’ questions.”
Bill Donne, Honorary Secretary, said: “We are grateful to all the key note speakers for presenting at our recent Pubwatch meeting and for addressing some challenging questions, and particularly to the BID for their ongoing sponsorship of our many initiatives for the ENTE including Best Bar None.”
“I was also pleased that Stuart McNaught, a previous National Pubwatch Star Award
recipient was re-elected as Chair person and to welcome new committee members including
Meena Arch, Kelley Hill, James Rickward, Corrine Kolatsi, and Andy Gowers.”
