Yates's manager appointed Blackpool Pubwatch chair

A Yates's manager has been appointed as chairman of Blackpool Pubwatch.

It is one of the three most high profile pubwatches, along with Westminster and Nottingham, and is at the forefront of all alcohol-related initiatives proposed by the Home Office.

In the role, Craig Southall will be required to work with police, the licensing authority, council and business district to reduce alcohol-related crime.

"It's fantastic news for Blackpool that Craig has agreed to take on the chairman's role at pubwatch," said Dave Daly, national pubwatch co-ordinator for the north-west and fellow Town and City licensee.

"He is an experienced manager with excellent knowledge and understanding of the complexities of the industry and of running licensed businesses.

"Blackpool has a huge Pubwatch and takes some running but Craig is well placed to build on the positive partnerships already established with the authorities in Blackpool, introducing innovative new initiatives for the town to trial."

Southall added: "I'd like to invite any pub, bar, club or restaurant operators in Blackpool who are not already members of the group and wish to find out more about Pubwatch to join us at our next meeting."