Blackpool Pubwatch Scheme Scoops Top National Award

The Diageo sponsored National Pubwatch Awards 2013 were presented at the Annual All-Party Parliamentary Beer Awards Dinner on the 19th of July, 2013 in London with the Blackpool Pubwatch scheme scooping the top prize. The scheme’s impressive range of responsible drinking initiatives and clear commitment to working with partners throughout the local community was applauded by the judges.

The National Pubwatch organisation received a significant increase in the number of applicants for this year’s awards with Blackpool being up against almost five hundred other towns and cities throughout the country.  The winners were selected by an independent panel of National Pubwatch members and industry experts.

 Blackpool was shortlisted down to the top three towns which were Blackpool, Dalston and Bawtry. The judges praised the finalists for their commitment to working with local police, council and other partners to find solutions to local issues affecting their areas.

Craig Southall, Chairman of Blackpool Pubwatch and General Manager of Yates North said: Blackpool Pubwatch was delighted to accept the award for the best Pubwatch within the UK out of a possible 480 candidates. The award was given at the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group dinner that was attended by several leading MPs, Peers and Dignitaries.

We had the pleasure of meeting the Right Honourable Kenneth Clarke QC, former Justice Secretary, Right Honourable George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer and receiving the award from the Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Brendan Lewis MP

This award  has only been made possible though the close work with our partners and stakeholders within both the Council and Police Licensing teams, NWAS, PCT, NHS and our facilitators within Blackpool BID

We would like to thank all of the partners and members for playing their part in achieving this award.

In achieving  this award it highlights the fantastic partnership working in Blackpool to reduce incidents and violent crime in and around licences premises. This is reflected in the massive reduction in violent crime over the last ten years within Blackpool. This is a credit to all Pubwatch members that we as a group have achieved this national prestigious award.

This award puts us at the leading edge of what Pubwatches aspire to and shows that we are achieving our aims and objectives of reducing late night crime and promoting the Licensing objectives.

Mark Baird, Head of Industry Affairs and Alcohol Policy at award sponsors Diageo GB, said: “Partnership schemes like Pubwatch make a real difference to local communities and it is fantastic to see so many more places getting involved in the programme through this year’s awards. Recognising the vital contribution that the night time economy makes, at Diageo we are committed to supporting the on-trade sector and we want to congratulate Blackpool, as well as Dalston and Bawtry, for setting such a high standard and demonstrating so brilliantly what can be achieved.”

Steve Baker, Chairman of National Pubwatch, said: “This is the second year running that we have been able to make this award available to local Pubwatch schemes thanks to Diageo’s support and we are delighted with both the number and quality of applications received. The awards acknowledge the fantastic work undertaken by local Pubwatch Schemes across the UK and their efforts to improve safety for all. We offer our congratulations to Blackpool Pubwatch this year’s winners and hope the great example that Blackpool, Dalston and Bawtry have set, inspires others to look at what they can do within their own communities.”

Les Ball, Blackpool BID’s Business Support Manager and Pubwatch Coordinator said ‘Blackpool BID and the Blackpool Forum  that preceded the BID have been responsible for facilitating Blackpool and Fylde Pubwatches for more than 10 years now and it was a real pleasure and immense accolade to receive the prestigious national award for the top Pubwatch in the country. Working in partnership with other bodies and businesses in Blackpool has been a crucial part of the success of Blackpool Pubwatch which has continued over the years to go from strength to strength”.