Lft to right Mark Baird Diageo, Andrew Stephenson MP, Laura Cockle Penzance & Newlyn Pubwatch, Chris Riley Rochdale Town Centre Pubwatch, Angela Crawford Orkney Pubwatch and Steve Baker Chair NPW

Local Pubwatch scheme is presented with the national award for role in the reduction of alcohol-related crime across the region,  and its commitment to partnership working, both with statutory agencies and voluntary organisations such as Street Pastors.

Penzance and Newlyn was crowned as the winner of the Diageo National Pubwatch Award at a packed ceremony in the House of Commons last night, with MPs, Lords and notable names from the pub industry in attendance.

The National Pubwatch Awards, sponsored by Diageo GB, encourage and recognise the work of local Pubwatch schemes throughout the UK and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff.  Each local organisation works closely with local police to reduce alcohol related crime, and provides local pubs with information and guidance on how to create safer drinking environments.

Now in its fifth year, the entrants were judged by a panel of National Pubwatch Committee members and industry experts.

The Penzance and Newlyn Watch was praised by judges for its outstanding ‘early intervention’ approach, including working with vulnerable people and substance abusers to identify problems before they become an issue.  The Watch was also commended for establishing an exceptional range of partnerships with the likes of Trading Standards and Addaction, a drug and alcohol treatment charity.

Judges were also particularly impressed by the Watch’s support of a ‘safe places’ scheme, providing places of sanctuary within pubs for people who may feel  vulnerable when they’re out socialising in the pub.

Mark Baird, Head of Alcohol in Society at Diageo Great Britain, commented: “Penzance and Newlyn represents all that is good about the  National Pubwatch scheme and the work that its local organisations do. They play a critical role in reducing crime, promoting responsible drinking and making pubs a safe and enjoyable place for customers and staff. 

“Pubs play such an important role in our society, bringing people together and maintaining strong social bonds. They give local people a sense of togetherness, which is more important than ever in a world where interaction increasingly happens online. Everyone, no matter who they are, should feel safe when they go out for a drink at the pub, or for a meal. 

“That’s why Diageo GB is immensely proud of our continued sponsorship of these awards, and of our work to promote responsible drinking across the UK.” 

Laura Cockle, secretary of Penzance and Newlyn Pubwatch, said: “We’re incredibly proud to win this award. Pubwatch makes real and genuine improvements to the lives of customers, staff, and the local communities they operate in. The work we do here in Cornwall is testament to that. We work over a 30 mile radius, supporting hundreds of pubs and making them safe, fun environments to socialise in. Our work with Addaction in particular, focused on training staff on how to deal with substance abusers, is a real source of pride for us.  As are the links we have established with a range of other organisations across the area. That strong level of collaboration is key to fighting alcohol related crime and developing initiatives that deliver results.” 

Speaking at the awards Steve Baker, Chairman of Diageo National Pubwatch, said: “I am constantly amazed by the calibre of the finalists at the awards. The work they do, and the dedication they show, is outstanding – which is true of Pubwatch schemes across the country. Pubs should be a fun and safe place to socialise and celebrate with family, friends and colleagues. National Pubwatch plays such an important role in making that a reality, and the local watches we support have become vital parts of their local community. I would like to thank Diageo for making these awards possible, and for supporting our work more broadly to promote responsible drinking and safer drinking environments across the UK.”

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BBPA and National Pubwatch partner to create new film

The British Beer & Pub Association has collaborated with National Pubwatch to produce an educational film that aims to raise awareness around the laws on serving drunk people and buying drinks for drunk friends.

The film supplements a wider BBPA campaign on serving drunks, which launched in partnership with National Pubwatch and Drinkaware on Global Beer Responsibility Day earlier this year. The campaign uses posters and a suite of infographics that have been deployed across BBPA and Drinkaware social media channels.

The educational film addresses two key aspects of the Licensing Act; it is illegal for licensed premises to serve drunk people, and it is illegal to purchase drinks for a friend who is drunk.

The film, and wider campaign, follow a YouGov survey commissioned by the BBPA which highlighted that more than one in four people (27 per cent) do not believe that the statement ‘It is against the law in the UK to knowingly sell alcohol to someone who is drunk’ is true. The same survey showed that 40 per cent of people don’t know that it is against the law to buy alcohol for someone who is drunk.

Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive, British Beer & Pub Association, comments:

“We are delighted to have worked with National Pubwatch to create this new film, which I’m sure will help raise awareness of the law and aid licensees, who can be put in a very difficult position and risk breaking the law if pressured to serve drunk customers.

“Serving drunks has long been illegal, and in the vast majority of cases, pubs are safe and responsible venues where drinks are served in a highly supervised environment by well-trained staff. “

Steve Baker, Chairman of National Pubwatch said:

“Many people are unaware that it is an offence to knowingly buy alcohol for someone who is drunk. I hope our work with the BBPA will go some way to raise awareness of the law and reduce the risks associated with drunkenness.”

You can view the film on the National Pubwatch YouTube link

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Nothing to see here…

DRUNK and disorderly arrests across the borough are falling as Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police work together to shed the borough’s “Wild West” image. A Freedom of Information request from the Chronicle to GMP for statistics of drunk and disorderly arrests in Oldham showed they have reduced ­- and that the borough is developing into a “thriving family-friendly” area.

From the start of 2016 up until the end of May the force recorded 31 arrests, an average of 6.2 per month, a rate which is 25 per-cent less then the previous year. In 2014, GMP recorded 98 (8.16 per month) drunk and disorderly arrests with 2015 seeing a slight increase of 103 (8.58 per month). The stats make good reading for the developing borough which opened its new cinema in the old town hall last month. Over the years, Greater Manchester Police and Oldham Council have worked together to tackle drunk and disorderly behaviour before it has a chance to escalate. As well as taking a zero-tolerance approach and employing dispersal orders to move people on, the force and the council have worked together with local clubs and bars to develop Oldham’s Pubwatch scheme.

The initiative, which has seen 18 premises in the town centre sign up in the last couple of years, gives police a direct link to local businesses so they can deal with issues quickly and reduce the need for arrests while also providing training to premises who sell alcohol in how to deal with drunk and disorderly people. As well as the town centre, the Pubwatch scheme runs across Saddleworth and Lees, Failsworth and Hollinwood, Saddleworth North, Royton and Shaw and Chadderton.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge hailed the drop in arrests. She said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve seen such a significant drop in drunk and disorderly-related arrests. But it’s no surprise or coincidence. “We work closely with Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, the Probation Service and the pubs, bars and clubs in Oldham. “There are also six established Pubwatch schemes throughout the borough which are all very well attended. Premises that serve alcohol in Oldham receive a full training package around dealing with people who are drunk and disorderly ­- this is something that has been introduced in recent years. “The work has had a really positive impact on Oldham. And with key regeneration projects such as the cinema now open to the public, Oldham is returning to the thriving family-friendly destination we all know it can be.”

Chief Inspector Andy Harty said: “This reduction in arrests for drunk and disorderly behaviour in Oldham shows the work that we and Oldham Council are doing to tackle the issues before they escalate is having an effect. “Over the past three years we have worked hard to tackle such behaviour in its earliest stages, employing dispersal orders to move people on and showing people that we will not tolerate unrest of any kind. “We have also worked closely with the council and local clubs and bars to develop Oldham’s Pubwatch scheme, seeing 18 premises in the town centre sign up in the last couple of years. This gives us a direct link to local businesses so that any issues can be dealt with quickly and effectively. “By intervening as quickly as possible we reduce the need for arrests to be made and ultimately help people to continue with their day in a safe way for them and the community in which they live.”

Photograph and story courtesy of Oldham Chronicle www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk

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NPW has previously featured the Ask Angela campaign on its News page. Its a really clever idea that was instigated by Hayley Child the Substance Misuse Strategy Coordinator for Lincolnshire County Council.

The poster was designed to compliment the councils NO MORE campaign and is currently being displayed in the county clubs and bars with the help of Lincolnshire Pubwatch members.

The poster is a visual aid which might provide a vital life-line to someone who finds themselves in a difficult situation and can’t get out of it.

‘Hi I’m Angela,’ the poster says. ‘Are you on a date that isn’t working out? Do you feel like you’re not in a safe situation? Is your Tinder or POF [Plenty of Fish] date not who they said they were on their profile? Does it all feel a bit weird?

‘If you go to the bar and ask for ‘Angela’ the bar staff will know you need some help getting out of your situation and will call you a taxi or help you out discreetly – without too much fuss.’

We know that there have been calls to roll this out across the UK. Should you wish to make use of this poster in your Pubwatch then you can download and print a generic version of the poster here.

Obviously an initiative such as this will only be effective if all staff are fully aware of the poster and have the confidence to act and support the customer if the are approached for help. Hayley has very kindly provided us with a short document which can be utilised by pub and club management to provide guidance to staff.
staff-suggested-guidance-for-ask-for-angela.pdf

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Alcohol related disorder has fallen.

Alcohol-related crime and disorder linked to the night-time economy in Fenland has dropped thanks to joint working by police and local venues.

Pubs and clubs on the March and Wisbech Pubwatch schemes have shared information to prevent trouble-makers from being admitted.

Letters have been sent to offenders whose bad behaviour has warranted a ban, however, the number of people barred has dropped as awareness of the zero-tolerance approach has increased.

Venues breaching their license conditions have been brought before Fenland District Council’s licensing committee and one pub – The Railway, in Whittlesey – was closed for a period of time until a new tenant and designated premise supervisor was sourced by the brewery.

The work has reduced pub fights and disorders to the lowest level in some time: between September 5 last year and November 9 this year, there were only 23 incidents in Wisbech.

Fenland licensing officer PC Phil Richardson said: “It’s great news that working in this collaborative way has reduced the number of incidents at night-spots so effectively. However, we still have an issue with street drinking and alcohol-related crime and disorder outside of venues.”

“I am currently working on an off licence watch scheme, which would operate in a similar way to Pubwatch. I also need information from the public about street drinking and the sale of alcohol to drunk people or children so we can take action if needed. I want to know if off- licenses are breaching licence conditions but I need the public’s help to do so.”

To report alcohol-related crime or disorder, call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. Information can also be sent to Policelicensingfens@cambs.pnn.police.uk
Story courtesy of Peterborough Telegraph www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk

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Ian Holmes from Blackburn BID, Ron O’Keeffe from BBAC and Martyn Haynes from Molloys

A ‘PUBWATCH’ scheme which will link by radio licensed premises, the police and CCTV operators is to be re-launched next week.

Those behind the scheme say it will make Blackburn town centre at night a safer place and hope it will engender team spirit among the pub and bar trade.

Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) have funded 15 hand held radios which will be distributed to the pubs taking part and link them together, along with police officers.

There will be a meeting with licensees on Tuesday, December 6 at 2pm a Blakey’s Cafe Bar, Northgate for licensees and police to discuss the scheme.

The town’s previous Pub Watch scheme was switched off by OFCOM due to license fee issues in February 2015, leaving the night time businesses with no radio communication.

Ron O’Keeffe is part of the Blackburn Businesses Against Crime.

He said: “The suggestion is to link the it in with the very successful Shop Watch scheme run by BBAC.

“The radio link has direct contact with the police and other radio holders and the hire of a radio will be just £1 per week.

“The links will mean incidents can be dealt with quickly and information can be shared.

“There are similar schemes in Darwen and Clitheroe and the Blackburn one will hopefully be as successful.

“If it works well we will hopefully expand it to premises like taxi offices and restaurants.”

The move comes after recent new bar openings boosting the town with the Sir Charles Napier and Cellar Bar re-opening and the town’s first micropub, The Drummers Arms starting up last week.

Martyn Haynes, run Molloys Bar in the town centre.

He said: “I used to work at the Bridgewater in Darwen and the radio scheme was very useful.

“It will give both staff and customers reassurance and be helpful to the night time economy.”

Story and photograph courtesy of Lancashire Telegraph www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

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A SCHEME to combat anti-social behaviour during the evenings has been relaunched.

Essex Police  has been working in partnership with pubs and other licensed premises in Braintree to make the night time economy a safer place.

Pubwatch was officially re-launched last Thursday to improve communication between the police and pubs.

The launch took place at The Swan, in Bank Street, with many members signing up to the scheme during the launch.

The scheme will link Pubwatch members to each other and to police on a communications system to enable members to send information on incidents and potential trouble.

Vicky Powell, licensing officer with Essex Police, said: “There is no tolerance within the trade for trouble makers, if you choose to act inappropriately close partnership working will ensure that you are banned from all licensed premises.”

The launch also saw pubs and licensed premises signing up to the Behave or Be Banned (BOBB) scheme, which creates a partnership with police, pubs and licensed premises in Braintree to support them in banning individuals who cause crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

Members of the scheme will be supported by sharing police information under the Data Protection Act in respect of individuals that licensees want to ban from their premises.

Photograph and story courtesy of Braintree and Witham Times www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk

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Pubwatch scheme takes a hardline approach ahead of the festive season

Troublemakers in pubs and clubs in Alexandria could be banned from all licensed premises from Helensburgh to Dumbarton.

The Pubwatch scheme, which aims to help create safer drinking venues, is warning drinkers to be on their best behaviour over the festive period.

More than 15 premises across the Vale of Leven have joined the scheme, giving licensees the power to bar anyone involved in criminal activity in their pub.

Previously those who incurred a Pubwatch ban would be prevented from entering any premises in Alexandria covered by the scheme – but now they face being barred from pubs and clubs across West Dunbartonshire and Helensburgh.

The scheme – which is fully backed by police and West Dunbartonshire Council licensing staff – promotes responsible management and operation of licensed premises from Balloch to Renton.

That work includes initiatives to help train licensees, bar staff, and door staff on best practice and clamping down on violent and disorderly incidents at licensed establishments.

Licensees work in partnership with officers from Police Scotland to ensure a safe environment and identify those who cause trouble in bars and pubs.

Vale of Leven Pubwatch chairman, Stephen Quinn, said: “Fellow licensees appreciate the protection the scheme offers. I would encourage other licensed premises not already part of the scheme to sign up now and help protect their staff and customers.

“Staff meet with the police every four weeks to discuss problems and exchange useful information.”

Councillor John Mooney, convener of West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board, said: “Pubwatch is a great example of what can be done when people join together to protect their staff and customers.

“Hopefully people will think first before they cause trouble in any of our licensed premises.”

Councillor John Millar, depute convener of West Dunbartonshire Licensing Board, added: “Everyone has the right to feel safe and enjoy themselves when they go out for a drink with family and friends.

“We want to make sure pubs and clubs are as safe as possible for people.”

Police Scotland Inspector John Mullen said: “I am proud of the fantastic links my officers have built up with the licensees and the council.

“By working in partnership we will continue to improve the safety of our residents. Keeping People Safe during the festive season is our priority.

“Christmas and Hogmanay are times for creating happy memories that will last a lifetime not nightmare situations that you will want to forget.

“Police officers will be there for anyone who needs assistance or advice.”

Photograph and story courtesy of Daily Record www.dailyrecord.co.uk

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Stephen Cook: his status as a vulnerable adult was no excuse for aggressive and abusive behaviour, said the judge.

A mother has failed in her bid to overturn a court’s decision to convict her son of being drunk and disorderly and obstructing a police officer.

Northern Ireland veteran Stephen Cook, 46, who suffers post-traumatic stress disorder, was given fines of £150 after magistrates convicted him of the two offences following a confrontation with police officers outside a Cockermouth pub in 2014.

But his mother Evelyn Bitcon, 72, who has no legal training, took the unusual step of conducting her son’s appeal before a judge at Carlisle Crown Court.

She claimed that Cook, of Shaw Wood Road, Thursby, had been maliciously targeted by Cumbrian police officers and that they used “excessive force” when arresting him.

She said this left him feeling so threatened that he had reacted, going into “protect” mode. Mrs Bitcon also suggested that the police should not have been “policing” the local pubwatch scheme.

But after hearing evidence, Recorder Abigail Hudson, sitting with two magistrates, entirely dismissed the appeal.

Summarising, she said that the prosecution case was that Cook had been asked to leave the Fletcher Christian Pub in Cockermouth at around 1am by staff who had realised he was banned under the local pub watch scheme.

He initially left quietly but then tried to sneak back inside.

When spoken to by police in a neighbouring alleyway, he became aggressive and abusive, and refused to calm down, said the prosecution. He also refused to leave after being served with an “exclusion notice.”

When PC Andrew Murdoch tried to arrest Cook, he struggled so much that it took four officers and two civilians to subdue him. Cook claimed that the officers jumped on him for no reason.

Judge Hudson said she and her colleagues preferred the evidence of the prosecution witnesses. She described PC Murdoch and his colleague Sergeant Stephen Brown as reliable witnesses.

“Mr Cook’s evidence was not helpful,” she said. “He refused frequently to answer questions.”

Cook, who had drunk six or seven pints of Guinness, lost control, according to both police and civilian witnesses. “He completely lost his temper, and started being abusive towards the officers,” said the judge.

It was obvious he did not like police officers.

The judge continued: “He made a beeline for a female officer and appeared to be trying to spit at her. Witnesses said officers were not being harsh, but simply asking him to calm down.”

PC Murdoch’s decision to arrest Cook was plainly reasonable, said the judge. The force used to restrain Cook, who suffered a burst lip, was not excessive, and it was necessary to ensure safety.

Recorder Hudson added: “The fact that Cook suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and low cognitive function in no way excuses abusive or aggressive behaviour.”

The judge went on to tell Mrs Bitcon that her son must now pay the £2,000 costs of the appeal at a rate of £100 per month.

Story and photograph courtesy of News & Star www.newsandstar.co.uk First published 30 November 2016

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A ZERO tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour is being taken in Buckfastleigh this Christmas.

Buckfastleigh Pubwatch, which comprises all pubs and other establishments licensed to sell alcohol such as shops and restaurants, with the support of the town council, is taking a zero tolerance approach to all individuals who participate in anti-social behaviour.

A town council spokesman said: “Licensees will permanently ban those whose drunken behaviour affects the well-being of their staff and members of the public. The ban will be applied by all Pubwatch members meaning that those banned will not be able to purchase alcohol from any pubs in the town.

“Please note that the centre of Buckfastleigh is a designated Alcohol-Free Zone. This means that it is an offence to drink in the street or public spaces.

“Please help and report anything suspicious to the Police on the 101 number or use 999 in the case of an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence or threatening or abusive language is being used.”

Poster images and story courtesy of Herald Express www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk

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Bars and clubs in the town will be trialling some of the new policies created by the committee

On Friday, December 9, a newly established pubwatch group is a running a campaign to promote responsible drinking called ‘We Serve Drinks, Not Drunks’.

Some bars will be using breathalysers on entry for people they believe to be too intoxicated.

Many of the bars will be supporting the campaign by having staff wear t-shirts and by employing designated welfare officers to make sure Christmas parties are not getting too carried away.

A deployment for when people are leaving venues has been put in place to move people along from bars and clubs.

In addition street pastors will be working with door security to ensure people are getting home safely.

A committee member from Pubwatch said: “It’s the time of year when there’s lots of going out and drinking, and it seems like the right time for this campaign.

“We want to promote the good things about the town centre.

“We’ve teamed up with police, street pastors and town centre bars and we’re working towards creating a positive impact and a positive night all round.

“The Reading nighttime economy should thrive, not have a negative at the forefront.”

The FIRST Stop Bus in the town centre, which provides a safe haven for people on a night out, is currently looking for sponsorship to help secure its long-term future.

Story courtesy getreading www.getreading.co.uk

Editors note. National Pubwatch will be holding its 14th annual conference in Reading on 28 February 2017. Booking details can be found on NPW website.

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Our East Midlands regional representative Michael Kheng was pleased to speak at todays (13/12/16) Nottingham City Pubwatch meeting. The meeting which was held at the Broadway Cinema was extremely well attended (c100) and supported by Nottinghamshire Police. Nottingham City Pubwatch is now in its 25th year

The meeting was opened with the screening of two NPW films on the subjects of ‘Challenge 21’ scheme and ‘Can’t get served?’ During the update by Nottinghamshire Police, Chief Inspector Mark Stanley referenced the films and their important subject matter and he recommended that all managers have their staff view them. We are pleased to say that the films transferred brilliantly to the big screen! If you haven’t yet seen any of this years NPW films, they can be viewed on the YouTube link on our  website.

Pass the popcorn!

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Lancaster Pub Watch has launched a scheme called Home Safe this December to try to ensure everyone who heads into town this Christmas is also able to get themselves home safely.

A great initiative supported by local licencees, it’s being run in conjunction with the Police, Lancaster Royal Infirmary A&E, local security company FGH and Lancaster Street Pastors.

“We want as many people as possible to come into the City Centre over the Christmas period,” explains Lancaster Pub Watch Chairperson Tim Tomlinson, and enjoy Lancaster’s many wonderful pubs, bars and restaurants. But we also want to make sure they don’t overdo it.

“If someone has had too much, they may not be in a suitable state to get themselves home safely.

“They may also be a nuisance to other customers and ultimately if they’ve really had too much they may put their health at risk and require the attention of the already busy emergency services, potentially putting others with more urgent needs at risk.”

The first stage has been a training plan for staff from the city centre premises in how to spot someone who has had enough to drink, or for whom the next drink would be one too many, and how to handle them politely and safely. FGH security, who won a National Security Industry Excellence award this year, are very generously providing this free of charge to all Lancaster Pub Watch members.

“What we hope people understand is that it is our job and legal responsibility to let anyone know that it’s time to go home if we believe they’ve had enough to drink. It is in their own best interest and they are welcome to come back again whenever they please.”

Safe Place

Pub watch has also made plans for the few cases where an individual has had too much and are not properly able to look after themselves. Venues will try to let them sober up a little with a glass of water or a hot drink and be taken home by one of their friends.

If this is not possible where they are at, two venues, The Sugar House and Apothecary, have offered the use of a quiet room to be used as a Safe Place where they may be taken to recover before going home. Managing access to these is being co-ordinated between FGH, the Police, Lancaster Street Pastors and the venue managers.

“Christmas is a great time to be out and about in Lancaster, but we want to make sure people don’t put themselves at risk or spoil the night for others.

” What landlords ask of customers is:

• Come into Lancaster and enjoy your night out

• Please drink responsibly

• Consider spacing your drinks out with soft drinks

• If you can’t get served because you’ve had enough, please respect the bar staff: It’s the law and it’s for your own good

• If you friend has had enough, don’t try to buy them another drink; help them to get home safely.

Lancaster Pub Watch is made up of 36 premises in and around the city centre Its main aim is to make Lancaster a safe and welcoming place for customers to enjoy and staff to work in.

Street pastors are trained volunteers from local churches who care about our community. They are usually on patrol from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on a Friday or Saturday night to care for, listen to and help people who are out on the streets.

Story and photograph courtesy of Virtual Lancaster News Blog  13/12/16 www.virtual-lancaster.blogspot.co.uk

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Nurses on board Doncaster ‘Mad Friday’ bus

The Safe Haven bus will be in Doncaster on the next two Friday nights

A bus with nurses, a social worker and a mental health worker on board has been parked up in a town centre for Christmas revellers in need of help.

The Safe Haven bus will be outside Doncaster’s Mansion House in High Street on “Mad Fridays” in the run-up to Christmas.

Those behind the project said it was the first of its kind in Yorkshire.

They said they hoped the service would help take pressure off local A&E services.

Emergency attendances to Doncaster Royal Infirmary increased by 13% in 2015, compared with 2013.

A social worker, mental health worker, street pastors, nurses and healthcare assistants will offer practical and medical support.

The project is a collaboration between Doncaster’s Public Health Team, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), Street Pastors, Pubwatch, South Yorkshire Police, Doncaster Council and the local Clinical Commissioning Group.

Safe Haven project manager Andy Collins said ambulances were “stretched”

Project manager Andy Collins said: “It’s not just about reducing the amount of people who head to A&E due to excessive alcohol or alcohol-related injury or illness.

“When people have had a drink they are more likely to be vulnerable and we can offer help and support to keep them safe.”

The converted bus was outside Doncaster Mansion House on Saturday night giving out advice and contraception, and phoning homes.

An ambulance is stationed alongside the bus will be there for paramedics to decide whether to send someone to&E.

“We’re trying to get people in taxis to go to A&E rather than phone ambulances, and provide a safe place for young people to sit and wait for a taxi or for their parents,” Mr Collins said.

It will return on 16 and 23 December from 20:00 until 04:00 GMT.

There are plans to set up the bus in the town centre on Saturday nights and bank holidays from June to September.

Story and photographs courtesy of BBC News 12/12/16 www.bbc.co.uk

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Helping Jesmond revellers stay safe this Christmas

A man at the helm of Newcastle nightlife has issued guidelines to help revellers stay safe this Christmas. 

Thousands are expected to celebrate the festive season in the bars and restaurants of Jesmond’s popular Osborne Road.

And Matt Stephenson, chairman of Jesmond Pubwatch, is urging drinkers to take a series of simple steps to make sure they have a night out to remember – for all the right reasons.

Safety is top of the list and Matt, who is also manager of Osbornes, Osborne Road – owned by Newcastle-based Malhotra Group plc – said measures have been put in place to help anyone who feels vulnerable, scared or isolated on a night out.

On Friday 23 December – Black Eye Friday, which is one of the most notorious nights out for partygoers – street pastors will be patrolling Jesmond, to offer help where needed.

“If a woman is on a date, that isn’t working out, for example; her friends haven’t turned up or she feels unwell or unsafe, for any reason, then all she has to do is approach them or any of our bar staff,” said Matt.

“They will then know she needs some help getting out of the situation and will discreetly call a taxi or get her the help she needs without any fuss.”

Pubs and bars in the area will also be providing ‘spikeys’ – gadgets to put in the necks of bottles to prevent drinks being spiked – and staff are trained not to serve anyone they feel may have overindulged.

“It’s also really sensible to make sure you never leave your drink unattended,” said Matt, “and to ensure that you’ve sorted out your taxi home before you’ve even left the house.

“It can be difficult – and expensive – to get a taxi late at night over the Christmas period, so planning ahead really is worthwhile.”

For further information about Jesmond Pubwatch call 0191 240 7778 or visit: www.osbornesjesmond.co.uk.

Story and photograph courtesy of North East Connected www.neconnected.co.uk

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MEMBERS of Bromsgrove Pubwatch are warning revellers to behave themselves over the festive season and to have an enjoyable and safe night out in the town.

It follows a meeting on Thursday (December 8) when landlords, police representatives and the town centre manager got together to discuss raising awareness of alcohol-related problems and safety issues.

The group has a rigorous banning process which means any individuals who cause trouble in licensed premises can be banned from all the participating pubs in the town.

The Pubwatch team will be using the social media tool Facewatch which sees photographs and information of those causing trouble shared between venues to ensure if they are refused entry from one, they are refused entry to all, protecting the public in the process.

Insp Sarah Corteen, from Bromsgrove Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We have an engaged, motivated local Pubwatch which is keen to raise alcohol awareness and safety issues to ensure a considered, timely local response.

“We want people to come to Bromsgrove to enjoy themselves and to go home safely at the end of the night.

“I urge people to drink responsibly and make sure you know how you’re getting home.

“Bromsgrove is not a city centre location so if you intend to travel by taxi the advice would be to pre-book your journey home.”

She added the police would be using all of its powers to pre-emptively prevent anti-social behaviour and disorder in the Worcester Road area of Bromsgrove where several night time venues were located.

Bromsgrove Safer Neighbourhood Team will be providing high visibility patrols across the district during the festive period as part of a number of schemes to provide reassurance and to ensure law-abiding residents can go out and have a good time.

Photograph and story courtesy of Bromsgrove Standard 15/12/16 www.bromsgrovestandard.co.uk

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 Nantwich Police and pub owners warning over fake ID

Pub bosses across Nantwich have backed a police campaign to clamp down on underage customers using fake ID.

The initiative, called ‘Fake ID? Real Consequence”, aims to warn those trying to gain access to licensed premises and buy alcohol by using fake ID or someone else’s ID.

Posters are now on display in most licensed premises in Nantwich after the town’s Pubwatch group backed the initiative.

Nantwich Police believe it will help reduce crime as many underage drinkers are either victims or offenders after consuming alcohol.

PC Marc Harley, of Nantwich Police, said: “The use of Fake ID, or real ID used by friends/siblings, is an issue all licensed premises face.

“Inexperienced, underage drinkers are placing themselves in a very vulnerable situation by purchasing alcohol with a fake ID which we are all keen to prevent.

“Due to their age, the addition of alcohol will make them more likely to be affected by crime – whether it be as a victim or offender.

“At the recent Pubwatch meeting, everyone was fully behind this campaign and each left with a poster they would display in their venue.

“We remind people that it is an offence to use fake or altered ID to gain or attempt to gain entry to licensed premises and to then consume alcohol whilst under the age of 18.

“Complying with Challenge 21 and 25 initiatives, licensees and door staff will check ID on entry and positive action will be taken against anyone found committing this offence.”

Nigel Woodhouse, Pubwatch chairman and manager of  The Studio on Mill Street, said: “Faked IDs have been a big problem for the last 10 years with accessibility to replica IDs being easier to obtain via the internet at very little cost or borrowing an older sibling or friends.

“I also operate venues in Staffordshire where they have a “Fake ID Real Consequences” campaign involving warning posters highlighting the fact the individual is breaking the law and there are real consequences to their actions.

“We have, with Staffordshire Police approval, adopted their campaign for our Nantwich Pubwatch with Cheshire Police.

“With police and licence premises support we believe that this initiative could help reduce potential underage consumption of alcohol which is great for our town and community.”

Photographs and story courtesy of Nantwich News www.thenantwichnews.co.uk

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Jason Smith Banking House 

Paisley publicans have launched their own campaign against drink-drivers, urging them to hand over their car keys.

And they want everyone to take part and promote the move to save lives and licences.

The town’s Pubwatch group raised the issue at their latest meeting and now bar owners have urged staff to keep an eye on any drinkers who could be tempted to take their car home.

Bankhouse manager Jason Smith told how he has taken keys from plenty of punters and locked them in his safe.

He explained: “There are two reasons.

“One is the obvious drink-driving temptation side of it and the other is that we have customers worried about losing their keys on a night out too.

“But I have persuaded people in the past to hand over their car keys instead of taking a chance behind the wheel.

“I also had reason to call the police before on a guy getting into his car outside my pub.

“He wasn’t a customer of mine, but he had clearly been drinking and I had no hesitation in calling the cops.

“We had a round of staff training at the time of the new drink-driving limits being imposed and we also want our staff
to be vigilant for vulnerable people.

“It could be a young lad who has had too much to drink and is on his own, or even a young girl, and we will always phone a taxi for them and make sure they get into it and safely up the road.”

Pubwatch boss Jackie McCaig, of the Old Swan Inn, kicked off the move to crack down on drink-drivers.

She said: “I felt there was not a lot of publicity for it this year and I had not seen posters.

“So, it was raised at the Pubwatch meeting because there are still people who think it is okay to take the car and there are others who are fed up waiting for a taxi and take a chance.

“I have coaxed people to give me their car keys in the past and they have come back to thank me the next day when they collect them.

“My staff are all trained to look out for anyone who has said they will take the car when they’ve clearly had too many drinks to be under the limit.

“And we even keep an eye out for those with car keys lying
out on the table while they’re drinking.

“My staff are also trained to look out for anyone who is the worse for wear and vulnerable.

“We will call them a taxi and make sure they get in, just as we will do for someone who hands in their car keys.

“Plus,we also encourage customers to let taxi drivers know if they are cancelling when they manage to get a lift because that has a knock-on effect for other people waiting for taxis.”

Lenka Novotna, boss of DeBeers, says she dishes out free soft drinks to designated drivers to play her part.

She said: “We back this campaign to collect keys from people and I have done that regularly.

“I also make sure that, if there is a designated driver, they receive free soft drinks.

“It is an important campaign.

“Absolutely anything we can do to help save a life is worthwhile.”

Story and photograph courtesy of Daily Record www.dailyrecord.co.uk

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PC Sean White and PC Natalie Jones in Thornbury High Street

POLICE are warning festive drinkers in Thornbury that they could face a year-long ban from pubs if they misbehave this Christmas.

As many as seven people are expected to be on the Pub Watch list by Christmas, banning them from all pubs in the town for a 12-month period, after incidents in recent weeks.

An emergency meeting of the group’s committee is set to take place, after a fight broke out in the Swan pub on Thornbury High Street on Friday, December 9.

The pub had been made aware by another establishment that a group of people had been acting rowdily before leaving in its direction.

Police reports say that the fight had broken out within five minutes of the group’s arrival, but the group was expelled after the incident was broken up. Three men involved in the incident are expected to be added to the Pub Watch list.

Year-long bans were also placed on two men and a woman after separate incidents at the Black Horse and the Knot of Rope in the last weekend of November, on the evenings of Friday, November 25, and Saturday, November 26.

Further incidents under review include when police were called to reports of around a dozen people scuffling in the St Mary Centre at about 12.10am on Sunday, December 11, and again on Saturday, December 17 to another disturbance at the Black Horse.

In both instances, officers attended, but no further police action will be taken, with pub staff at the Black Horse accepting an apology and pledge to pay for a broken window.

Two people had already been banned in the group’s November meeting after a further incident at the Knot of Rope pub earlier in the month.

The Pub Watch scheme is run through a committee of the pubs in Thornbury and Alveston and is assisted by the police beat team.

“The pubs in Thornbury are all nice places, catering for families and respectable local people,” said Thornbury beat manager PC Sean White.

“They won’t be tolerating any bad behaviour. Those who want to get rowdy and try their luck will face a ban.”

Craig Bright, landlord of the Black Horse, said the scheme meant people could be confident that they could “come in and enjoy themselves”.

“Pubs can stick together to stop people who want to spoil people having a good time.

“It really does work and I have even seen it change lives before. So many people have realised since it was introduced that if they behave in a normal manner then they can enjoy themselves as much as they like.”

If added to the list, the individual faces a 12-month ban. If they break that, they could have an additional six months added, plus a community protection order.

PC White said: “The Pub Watch scheme has been in place now for quite a while, and we have become very efficient in dealing with people out to cause trouble.

“If you are banned, you are banned. We won’t be putting up with any anti-social behaviour that would cause a problem to other people simply out to enjoy themselves, especially over Christmas.

“We hope that banning people like this will reduce problems in pubs in the Thornbury and Alveston areas, making them better places for people to socialise.”

Throughout the festive period, police will continue to liaise with pubs and other licensees to reduce the likelihood of other incidents occurring.

For more information on the Pub Watch scheme, visit nationalpubwatch.org.uk

Story and photograph courtesy of Gazette www.gazetteseries.co.uk

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In the wake of the India Chipchase tragedy at Northampton earlier this year where she was abducted and murdered following a night out; Corby Pubwatch has produced a leaflet giving advice on how to have a “Safe Night Out” which will be available in their members venues, handed out by Street Pastors & Door Supervisors.

The leaflet is sending out a positive message, which covers ways in which you can stay safe and not become vulnerable or a victim. Advice is given on Pre-Loading, the use of mobiles to show your location, planning your night out and how you will get home, staying in a group, keeping hydrated, information about Street Pastors and useful contact telephone numbers.

Along with this the watch is also using “#drinksafestaysafe” hashtag and handing out wristbands. Staff at venues will also be wearing badges with the hashtag link.

This initiative has been sponsored by venues and some funding and assistance through the Corby Borough Council Community Safety Partnership.

corby-leaflet

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