Rita King – House of Lords 2025
Rita King was awarded the National Pubwatch Award of Merit at a prestigious ceremony, sponsored by pub chain JD Wetherspoon, at the House of Lords.
The award was in recognition of her professionalism and commitment in supporting the pub and hospitality sector and her efforts to raise standards and promote partnership working.
An Award of Merit recognises the contribution of individuals to the safety of the late-night economy.
She currently works as Honorary Secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, a role she has held since November 2022.
She also previously worked as deputy director of Pubs and Leisure at the British Beer and Pub Association; Local Partnerships Director at the Portman Group and joint Chief Executive of the Safer Business Network.
Rita King said: “It is a great honour to receive the National Pubwatch Award of Merit and I would take this opportunity to thank the National Pubwatch Committee. I am proud to have worked with National Pubwatch throughout my career and have seen first-hand the hugely positive contribution that local Pubwatches make to their local communities.”
She added: “My six years at the Portman Group working with National Pubwatch and other industry supported schemes on the Local Alcohol Partnerships Group were among the most rewarding of my career and I am pleased to continue to support them through my work with the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group.”
National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker OBE said: “It is a privilege to recognise Rita King who works tirelessly for the pub sector, has been committed to the safety of the evening economy and is a great supporter of National Pubwatch.”
He added: “We would also like to thank JD Wetherspoon for all its support for National Pubwatch and the awards.”
Wetherspoon has been a supporter of National Pubwatch since its inauguration in 1997. Its pubs are involved in 532 Pubwatch schemes across the country.
