Greene King managed hosts in Pubwatch push
by John Harrington
Greene King has started a drive to get its managed pubs involved in their local Pubwatch after a survey carried out by them revealed that just one in four Greene King pubs was in a scheme.
The internal survey showed that just 22% of pubs in the entire Greene King estate, excluding the sites recently bought from Laurel, are part of Pubwatch organisations.
Greene King head of security Bruce Thomas agreed that in the past there had been apathy among some on the managed side about encouraging their pubs to take part in local schemes.
"The operational side of the business [area managers] have never seen it as an issue," he said, adding: "We are higher than some other pub companies. Some don't even have that amount."
To counter this, Greene King is pushing for active membership in Pubwatch schemes, with an initial focus on the Hungry Horse brand.
"Initially [Greene King] were going to measure how many Hungry Horse pubs were in Pubwatch, and then area managers from operation directors down will be tasked with getting their pubs to be part of Pubwatch, or to set one up," said Thomas, who is a committee member of National Pubwatch.
"The ultimate aim is to get all the managed estate in Pub-watches. It will start with Hungry Horse and cascade throughout the business."
Meanwhile, the Morning Advertiser has learnt of a tactic by Cambridge Pub and Club Watch that has seen turnout at meetings rise by 25% by making licensees swear under oath that they will attend.
When a licence comes up for renewal or an application for one is being heard, licensing officer Peter Sinclair stands up in front of the magistrate and asks the host if they have heard of Pub and Club Watch, and will agree to become an active member.
Watch chairman Michael Weber said that no one had yet refused.
"Nobody is going to stand in court and say they are not going to support this scheme, which improves the safety of pubs and promotes best practice," he said.
Looking ahead
Top brass from Government, police and industry are expected to speak at the second National Pubwatch Conference, which takes place on 6 April at Wycombe University College, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
The all-day Conference, entitled Pubwatch: the Future, will focus on ways to improve pub safety under local Pubwatch schemes, with particular emphasis on the Licensing Act and the Government's Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign.
Speakers confirmed so far include solicitor Jeremy Allen and National Pubwatch experts. High profile representatives from the industry and Government have also been pencilled in.
Advice on forming a Pubwatch and the legality of bans will be discussed.
The conference will cost £25 for Pubwatches and £50 for others. Call Malcolm Eidmans on 01707 650095.
