Pubwatch to fight back against thugs

National Pubwatch is launching a major campaign to ensure thugs who attack licensees or pub staff face proper justice.

The Court Not Caution campaign follows reports that yobs are still being let off with cautions or penalty notices after sickening violent attacks on hosts and staff.

National Pubwatch wants to ensure they always appear before a court and attacking someone who's upholding their licensing responsibilities becomes an aggravating factor when considering whether to press charges.

National Pubwatch president Nigel Evans MP is tabling an Early Day Motion — a petition for MPs — urging support for the campaign.

An online petition to the Prime Minister is being lodged and a dedicated group on Facebook is being created. The Home Office, police and Crown Prosecution Service will be contacted to encourage a change in attitude.

National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker said: "People working in the licensed trade feel that the criminal justice system is not supporting them in their efforts to run their businesses in a socially responsible fashion.

"Quite rightly, police and licensing authorities expect that a licensee and their staff should be held responsible for not only the sale of alcohol, but also other legislation or regulations relating to the running of their premises.

"In fact, much police and trading standards enforcement activity has taken place over the last few years to hammer home this point.

"We feel that it is a matter of balance, therefore, that individuals that challenge a licensee or their staff's efforts to run their business by acting in a violent or intimidating manner should also face consequences for their actions. We hope that a consensus can be achieved.

"The only people that benefit from us failing to work together will be the minority of individuals who are responsible for such violence and antisocial behaviour."

Join the campaign​

National Pubwatch wants MA readers to help as part of the Court Not Caution campaign. Readers should get in touch if they or a member of pub or doorstaff has been attacked and the yob has been let off with a caution or a fixed penalty notice.

Email cnhy.jbggba@ogpbaarpg.pbz​ .

• Sign the 10 Downing Street petition by clicking here​​.

• Join our Facebook group by clicking here​​.