National Pubwatch has announced a date for its 21st national conference, which will boast an impressive line-up of authoritative speakers from a range of disciplines.
Steve Baker OBE, chair of National Pubwatch, speaking at a previous conference
The conference will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, London Elstree in Borehamwood, on 4th March.
The government approach to the licensed trade, operator responsibilities under the Equalities Act, and domestic abuse are some of the major topics that will be tackled.
Speakers will include: Kate Nicholls OBE, chief executive of UKHospitality and chair of the Institute of Licensing; DCC Scott Green, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on alcohol licensing and harm reduction; and Lisa Malsen, Metropolitan Police crime prevention and business crime lead.
There will be a legal update and analysis of the government’s strategy towards the pub and licensed trade from Jonathan Smith, of Poppleston Allen, and James Hawkins, director of communications and external affairs at the British Beer & Pub Association.
The responsibilities of operators under the Equalities Act will be tackled by Armin Solimarni, barrister at Francis Taylor Building. The issue of domestic abuse in the hospitality sector will be the focus of a session from Ayesha Fordham, member and partnerships manager at the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse.
There will also be a Pubwatch Panel, chaired by public affairs specialist and former honorary secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, Paul Hegarty. Experts will answer questions about some of the challenges and best practice around Pubwatches. Questions can be submitted in advance to mark.worthington@nationalpubwatch.org.
National Pubwatch chair, Steve Baker OBE, said: “This is our 21st annual conference, with the sector facing unprecedented challenges. This remains an important event to ensure there are safe and secure drinking environments in all licensed premises.”
For more details, or to book a place, click here.