Tackling drugs, knife crime and digital ID to take centre stage at the National Pubwatch Conference

How to address drug abuse in the night-time economy, respond to knife attacks, and the future of digital ID are among the major themes at this year’s National Pubwatch Conference.

The 22nd annual event will take place at the Hilton Liverpool City Centre on 24 February 2026, bringing together leading voices from policing and the licensed trade to share expertise and best practice on the challenges facing the sector.

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.

A key session will focus on responding to knife attacks. Speakers include Sir Tim Hodgetts of ATTFE College Nottingham, who leads the ‘Stop the Bleed’ initiative providing frontline training on managing knife-related injuries. Additional insight will come from Neil Smith, Head of Commercial at the Licensed Trade Charity, and Ciaran Brennan, Commercial Director at CiC, who will outline the support available to venues and staff following critical incidents.

Robyn Black, Head of Content at Fleet Street Communications, will give guidance to Pubwatch groups and operators on engaging effectively with the press and highlighting the positive work being delivered across the night-time economy.

The Home Office will provide an update on the latest developments around Digital ID, while Mick Howard, Operations Director (North) at Star Pubs, will share an operator’s perspective on the evolving challenges facing pubs. Andy Starr, Chair of Colchester Pubwatch and winner of the National Pubwatch of the Year award, will share best practice. A legal update will also be delivered by Jonathan Smith of Poppleston Allen and Gary Grant of Francis Taylor Buildings.

A number of National Pubwatch awards will be presented during the conference to recognise outstanding contributions to safer socialising.

National Pubwatch chair Steve Baker OBE said: “This is our 22nd annual conference with the sector continuing to face unprecedented challenges. This remains an important event to ensure there are safe and secure drinking environments in all licensed premises.”

Mark Worthington, chair of the National Pubwatch organising committee, said: “We look forward to welcoming delegates to this years’ conference. This is a practical conference that will give real help and advice to Pubwatches and anyone working in the evening economy.”

For more details or to book a place click here.

https://nationalpubwatch.org.uk/national-pub-watch-conference-booking/

For more information go to www.nationalpubwatch.org.uk

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·       National Pubwatch chair Steve Baker OBE at the National Pubwatch Conference 2025.

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.

For more information: Steve Baker on 07944030555 or steve.baker@nationalpubwatch.org.uk

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