Chesterfield Pubwatch has been given the top accolade as the National Pubwatch of the Year at a prestigious event, sponsored by pub chain JD Wetherspoon, at the House of Lords.
The National Pubwatch of the Year Award, which is judged by members of the National Pubwatch Committee, recognises the work of local Pubwatch schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff. Two Pubwatches – Dalston and Worthing – were awarded highly commended.
Chesterfield Pubwatch, which has been running for 22 years, with founding members still actively involved in running the scheme. They were recognised as an effective and forward-thinking organisation that works in partnership with the Police and Chesterfield Borough Council. They have fully supported the launch of Best Bar None with 22 local businesses being awarded accreditation.
Their application was supported by Shaun Morley Head of Chesterfield Borough Council who described them as a ‘forward-thinking organisation, that works to provide a safe and secure licensing industry but which is also willing to work in a coordinated and integrated manner with local partners’.
Superintendent Richard Lambert Head of Operations for Derbyshire Police said: “We are fortunate to have an effective, engaging and proactive pubwatch, who are prepared to work ‘hand in glove’ with the police and local partners to create a safe and secure environment. Pubwatch is a consistent and key partner in our work to ensure Chesterfield continues to be a safe place for people to visit and enjoy”.
Roger Butler, chair of Chesterfield Pubwatch, said: “We would like to thank National Pubwatch for recognising the many years of partnership with us. With help from them, the local police force, the borough council and licensees’ we are confident that Chesterfield is a safer place to socialise and enjoy the many facilities on offer.”
National Pubwatch Chairman Steve Baker OBE said: “It has been an honour to celebrate the winner and finalists at this awards event in the House of Lords”.
“The National Pubwatch Awards is so important in recognising the hard work of local Pubwatches, their members and individuals. They are working on the ground to ensure that we have a safe pub and licensed trade for customers and staff”.
He added: “We would like to thank JD Wetherspoon for all its support for National Pubwatch and the awards”.
Wetherspoons Legal Director, Nigel Connor said: This year has again seen some fantastic entries which reflect the strength and importance of Pubwatches throughout the United Kingdom in helping create safe towns and cities”.
“Chesterfield Pubwatch is a worthy winner and congratulations to everyone involved in the scheme. This is our fifth year of sponsorship of the awards and Wetherspoon is pleased to be able to help recognise the work done by all Pubwatch members as well as the authorities who cooperate with them through our continued support”.
