Pubwatch schemes are key to reducing alcohol-related crime and improving the safety of the evening economy, according to a new study.
The research was conducted by Leeds Beckett University, with support and funding from JD Wetherspoon and Diageo. It shows that 86% of licensees, staff, police, and those working within organisations such as local authorities, believe that Pubwatches help to create safer drinking environments.
Pubwatches comprise groups of licensees who voluntarily work together, with the support from local partners such as the police, to address crime and anti-social behaviour, and to create a safer night time economy for staff and customers.
More than half (53%) of those surveyed said they had 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.
The positive impact of Pubwatches was reflected in the views of licensees, with an overwhelming majority (90%) saying they were influenced to join a Pubwatch scheme to create a safer environment. Seventy-nine per cent cited the benefits of networking with authorities.
Fighting crime and disorder
The research also showed that more than 90% of respondents would recommend others join a scheme. While 86% believe that local schemes encouraged the sharing of good practice, a similar proportion (85%) said they helped to create better partnerships between the licensed trade and official bodies.
Banning orders — where an individual is banned from several premises within a local Pubwatch — are seen as an important tool in helping to combat crime and disorder, with over 90% of licensees supporting their use.
“These are phenomenal results, showing the real impact of local Pubwatches in fighting crime and disorder, and providing safe drinking environments in the evening economy,” said National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker OBE.
• The views of just under 300 licensees, staff, representatives from local authorities, and police, as well as members of other organisations that collaborate with Pubwatches, were taken in an online survey and in-depth interviews, conducted independently by Leeds Beckett University.
