Nottingham Pubwatch has been given the top accolade as the National Pubwatch of the Year at a prestigious event, sponsored by pub chain JD Wetherspoon, at the House of Lords.
Figen Murray (OBE) was awarded the National Pubwatch Award of Merit for her campaigning work in the field of event security, to make the evening and night-time economy safer.
The National Pubwatch of the Year Award, which is judged by members of the National Pubwatch Committee, recognises the work of local Pubwatch schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff. Two Pubwatches Dalston and Taunton were awarded highly commended.
National Pubwatch is a voluntary organisation, which supports over 800 Pubwatch 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.
Michele Somers, chair of Nottingham Pubwatch, 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 contributions that 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 devastating 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.
“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 OBE said: “It has been an honour to celebrate the winners and finalists at this awards event.
“The National Pubwatch Awards are so important in recognising the hard work of pubwatches, their members and individuals, in ensuring we have a safe pub and licensed trade for customers and staff.”
Wetherspoon’s head of legal, Nigel Connor, said: “This year has again seen some fantastic entries which reflect the strength of Pubwatches throughout the United Kingdom. Nottingham Pubwatch is a worthy winner and congratulations to everyone involved in the scheme. 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.”
For more information go to www.nationalpubwatch.org.uk
For more information: steve.baker@nationalpubwatch.org.uk
Editor’s Notes:
National Pubwatch was set up in 1997 as a voluntary organisation by three founders Raoul De Vaux, a licensee and magistrate, Malcolm Eidmans, a former police chief superintendent and licensee Bill Stone.
Its key aim to help achieve a safe, secure and social drinking environment in all licensed premises throughout the UK. National Pubwatch now supports over 800 pubwatches across the UK.
In 2013, a survey conducted by Dr Alex Kenyon at Leeds Metropolitan University, surveyed nearly 1,200 licensees, councillors and police representatives and found that almost two-thirds said that their local pubwatch scheme contributed to a decrease in the amount of alcohol-related violence in their premises and local area. While 94% said it was important for National Pubwatch to offer support and advice for new schemes, an equal percentage said it was important in providing ongoing support.
Image:
Nottingham Pubwatch has received the top accolade as the National Pubwatch of the Year. (Left to right: National Pubwatch chair Steve Baker, Lord Kennedy, Nottingham MP Lilian Greenwood, Nottingham Pubwatch chair Michele Somers, Wetherspoon’s head of legal, Nigel Connor, Nottingham Pubwatch committee member James Slater)
For more information: steve.baker@nationalpubwatch.org.uk
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