Partnership working, dealing with violence, and using digital technology for age verification will be on the agenda at the forthcoming National Pubwatch Conference.
The annual event, which will take place at the Double Tree by Hilton, Lydiard Fields, in Swindon, on 7th March boasts a raft of industry speakers from the pub and police sectors.
BII chief executive Steve Alton will look at current issues affecting the trade and how partnership working with pubwatches are helping licensed premises.
A legal update will see Jonathan Smith, from Poppleston Allen, and Gary Grant, from Francis Taylor Building, focus on the challenges facing the trade, including the new Section 182 guidance for the Licensing Act.
A representative from the Home Office will give insight into the latest ID and digital technology that can help combat the issues around age verification.
There will also be a session on the successful Ask for Angela scheme. Insp Hayley Crawford, from Nottinghamshire Police, who founded the scheme, will give a history, show case studies, and explain what the future holds, including the launch of new website and marketing materials.
National Pubwatch already supports more than 800 schemes across the UK, and Bill Donne, honorary secretary of Reading Pubwatch, National Pubwatch of the Year 2022, will give advice and guidance on how to run a successful pubwatch.
The National Pubwatch awards will be handed out on the day, including the National Pubwatch Award of Merit, which rewards individuals who have contributed to the success of pubwatch schemes, and the Malcolm Eidmans award, which recognises the outstanding contribution made by a police officer or member of police staff in supporting the work of their local pubwatch scheme. There will also be a bravery and meritorious conduct award given.
National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker said: “This has been an extraordinary year for the pub trade and the evening economy. This conference will look at some of the major issues affecting the trade and provide practical advice to operators on how they can ensure they have safe venues for people to enjoy their night out.
“We will also be recognising those that have contributed so much to making the late-night sector a safe environment.”
There will also be a ‘surgery’, where National Pubwatch representatives will be on hand to answer queries and give advice relating to local watches.
