Three Pubwatch schemes shortlisted as finalists for National Pubwatch Awards 2025

Three local Pubwatch schemes – Newcastle City Centre, Padstow and Colchester - will be going head-to-head for the top accolade as Pubwatch of the Year at the prestigious National Pubwatch Awards 2025, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon.

The awards recognise the work of local Pubwatch schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff. The winner and two Pubwatch schemes, that will be highly commended, will attend an awards dinner in the House of Lords on Tuesday, 21st October.

National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker OBE said: “The quality of entries this year were extremely high and it was a tough challenge to get these down to three finalists. It is a real testament to Pubwatch schemes across the country who have been doing such important and ground breaking work to make the night-time economy safe.”

He added: “We would also like to thank JD Wetherspoon for all its support for National Pubwatch and the awards.”

Wetherspoon legal director Nigel Connor said: “Pubwatches only work because of the fantastic day to day efforts of their many members but it is still important to specifically recognise those schemes and individuals which go the extra mile and provide an example to others. The National Pubwatch Awards help do that and Wetherspoon is pleased to support them for the sixth successive year.”

The 2024 winner of the National Pubwatch Award was Chesterfield Pubwatch, which was recognised as an effective and forward-thinking organisation that worked in partnership with the police and Chesterfield Borough Council. The win raised the profile of the Pubwatch locally enabling it to access additional funding from the police and local council to support a range of initiatives including a new community safety officer. 

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·         Chesterfield Pubwatch celebrate their win at the House of Lords

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 2025 research, conducted by Leeds Beckett University showed that 86% of licensees, staff, police and those working within organisations such as local authorities, believe that pubwatches help to create safer drinking environments.  

Over half (53%) of those surveyed stated they had actually witnessed a decrease in alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour since the introduction of a Pubwatch scheme.  Importantly, over two-thirds (68%) agreed that Pubwatch activities increased staff, customer and community safety.

If you need any more information, please contact Steve Baker on 07944030555 or steve.baker@nationalpubwatch.org.uk

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