Wetherspoon boss receives top accolade from National Pubwatch

National Pubwatch has honoured JD Wetherspoon founder and chairman Sir Tim Martin with an Award of Merit in recognition of his long-time support for Pubwatch schemes and his commitment to improving the safety of customers and staff in the licensed trade.

The Award of Merit recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the success of Pubwatch and the safety of the late-night economy.

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.

Sir Tim accepted the award at the National Pubwatch annual conference in Liverpool.

He has been a strong supporter of National Pubwatch and local Pubwatches for nearly 30 years and has said they are the best initiative to raise standards and combat bad behaviour.

One of the most notable examples of Sir Tim’s support was his intervention to provide legal backing for the Buckingham and Haverhill Pubwatch schemes when they faced Judicial Review challenges. The landmark rulings in 2008 and 2010 upheld the long‑established Common Law right of licensees to meet, share information and reach collective decisions to exclude problem individuals.

JD Wetherspoon has also provided sponsorship for National Pubwatch and has funded several specific initiatives, including two UK‑wide research projects carried out in 2012 and 2025. In addition, the company sponsors the annual National Pubwatch Award, presented at the House of Lords.

JD Wetherspoon founder and chairman Sir Tim Martin said: “I am proud to be honoured by National Pubwatch.

“Wetherspoon has more than 500 pubs signed up to Pubwatch and our managers play an important part in their success.

“National Pubwatch is a vitally important organisation within the pub sector.

 I thank all those involved for this honour.”

National Pubwatch chair Steve Baker OBE said: “Tim Martin has been a strong supporter of National Pubwatch and local Pubwatches for over 30 years. His dedication to the sector and support for National Pubwatch and schemes across the country have directly contributed to making the night-time economy a safer place.

“The National Pubwatch committee were unanimous in wanting to recognise his great contribution to the industry and to Pubwatches nationwide.”

A National Pubwatch Bravery & Meritorious Conduct Award was also handed out on the day to John Hughes, Chair of Liverpool Pubwatch. While Malcolm Eidmans Awards, which recognise the outstanding contribution made by a police officer or member of police staff in supporting Pubwatch, were given to Matthew Stonier, a sergeant with Cheshire Police and Dave Clarke an Inspector with Durham Police.

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

Third-party news items are published as received for informational purposes. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Guild. Please use the contact details within the post for any enquiries.