The National Pubwatch Conference returns next month with a raft of high-profile speakers who will look at some of the major challenges facing the evening economy.
Award winners at last year’s conference
These range from the government’s approach to the licensed trade and operator responsibilities under the Equalities Act, to domestic abuse.
The 21st annual conference at the, DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree, in Borehamwood, on 4th March , will give practical advice and insight to licensees, pub trade representatives, police, and council members.
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, the 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, at 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 Buildings, while 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, where experts will answer questions about some of the challenges and best practice around Pubwatches. The National Pubwatch awards will be handed out, too.
