Call for 'perspective' over alcohol-related crime

The chairman of National Pubwatch has called for "perspective" when tackling the issue of alcohol-related crime.

Speaking at the group's national conference in Liverpool today, Baker said that authorities should deal with matters in a partnership approach and focus on problem venues.

He said: "I'm not an apologist for the pub trade. As a police officer for over 30 years I saw the unglamorous side of alcohol, the vomit on the pavements, the drunks sleeping in their own urine and worse, the violence to others and on occasions against me.

"But let us not forget that responsible operators can also suffer at the hands of the minority."

He added:" Let's concentrate on the problem venues and outlets and problem individuals and let's work with the majority of licensees who are committed to running safe and secure venues.

"That's the only way we are going to solve this problem - working together."

Delegates at the event, which is being held at the Adelphi Hotel, included licensees, local government officers and police.

Chief Constable Jon Stoddart, the licensing lead at the Association of Chief Police Officers, was among the speakers due at the event.

Meanwhile licensee Neil Bartholomew, of the Abingdon in Northampton, was due to receive an outstanding contribution award for his work as chairman of the Northampton Pub Watch.

He was commended for "the dedication and time he devotes to the watch and to the professionalism he portrays when representing them in the media".

Awards were also due to be presented to Julia Glancy, chairwoman of the Liverpool East Pubwatch, and licensing consultant Geoff Keeble.