The prestigious Malcolm Eidmans award has been given to Ian Graham, Chief Licensing Officer at the Metropolitan Police.
The award, named after ex-Chief Superintendent Malcolm Eidmans who was a founder member of National Pubwatch, recognises the outstanding contribution made by a police officer or member of police staff in supporting the work of their local Pubwatch scheme.
Ian, who joined the Metropolitan Police in 1989 moved to its Central Licensing unit in 1993, was nominated for this award by David Lucas, the chair of Nottingham Pubwatch and member of the National Pubwatch Committee.
His nomination was strongly supported by Chief Inspector John Evans; Gary Grant a Barrister and Vice Chair of the Institute of Licensing; Rita King CEO of the Safer Business Network; John Miley Chair of the National Association of Licensing Officers, Andrew Green, Policy Manager of British Beer and Pub Association and Sylvia Oates Best Bar None Manager.
Ian’s views are sought extensively by practitioners involved in the administration of the licensing system and he has the respect of regulators, operators and those who advise them.
He has been an advisor to the National Police Chief Council Licensing & Alcohol Harm portfolio lead for several years and currently Co-Chairs the NPCC licensing groups.
He is a fervent supporter of effective partnership working with unswerving support for the Local Alcohol Partnership Group, which includes National Pubwatch and Best Bar None.
David Lucas said that during Ian’s time with the Licensing Unit he has acquired a working knowledge of the licensing regime which is “second to none.”
Chief Inspector Evans praised Ian’s leadership, his clear and consistent messaging and the reassurance he provided to the pub and hospitality sector and other stakeholders during the Covid pandemic. He also highlighted Ian’s significant contribution to vulnerability training through the WAVE programme and the recent rollout of the Ask for Angela initiative across London.
He said that Ian “is one of the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate people in the licensing field you will ever meet.”
Gary Grant said:
“For Ian, partnership working is more than simply a fluffy phrase or aspiration. He means it and acts it out on a routine basis. There are few police officers who have gone to the effort to really understand the challenges faced by licensed premises, by local communities and by the regulators, local authorities and the police.”
Ian said that to receive the award was an “absolute honour” especially as he worked and knew Malcolm Eidmans before his death in 2012.
“I knew Malcolm when he was the Chief Superintendent at Charing Cross. He would only do something if he really believed in it and he was part of National Pubwatch,” said Ian.
“He wasn’t backward in coming forward, he spoke his mind, he was honest, you knew where you stood with Malcolm – he was a true professional. To even be linked in the same breath as someone like Malcolm Eidmans is of course a real honour and I am really appreciative.”
