Assaults on people working in the pub and hospitality sector
On 13 January 2011 the Parliamentary Justice Committee published its response to the Sentencing Councils public consultation on assault guidelines. Sir Alan Beith MP Chair of the Justice Committee wrote to Lord Justice Leveson Chairman of the Sentencing Council and the letter contained the following important statement:Another area which we thought merited monitoring for consistency was raised with us by National Pubwatch, which made several important points with respect to victims who are employed in the pub and bar trade. When you gave evidence to us you accepted that the aggravating factor of an offence committed against those working in the public sector or providing a service to the public should be interpreted widely: We agree, and we consider that such an interpretation should be monitored to ensure consistency of approach.
National Pubwatch is pleased that the head of the Sentencing Council has agreed that assaulting people working in the pub and bar trade should be considered an aggravating feature of the offence. The Sentencing Councils report on sentencing guidelines is due to be published in February 2011.
