National Pubwatch Awards 2023 open for entries

The competition has reopened for entries, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon (JDW), and aims to “recognise the work of schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments”.

The finalists, who will achieve recognition for their “good practice” at a national level, will attend an awards dinner at the House of Lords on 17 October.

National Pubwatch Chair Steve Baker OBE said: “This national award is a fantastic opportunity to promote the work of a local Pubwatch scheme, receive recognition at a national level and celebrate these achievements at a prestigious event.”

Extra mile

Having run since 2012, this year’s competition will be the fourth in a row sponsored by JDW.

JDW legal director Nigel Connor said: “Pubwatches only work because of the fantastic day to day efforts of their many members, but it is still important to specifically recognise those which go the extra mile. The National Pubwatch awards help do that and JDW is pleased to support them”.

Last year’s winner, the Reading Pubwatch, was awarded the title on the basis of several new initiatives which it had introduced. These included an  anti-drink spiking campaign, increased security searches and the running of anti-terrorist seminars.

Tenacity and resilience

Reading Pubwatch honorary secretary Bill Donne said: “We were honoured to have won the prestigious award in 2022 against stiff competition. To receive the award at the House of Lords was such a highlight”.

Stating a successful pubwatch requires “tenacity and resilience”, Donne added “the win has given members a real boost that the partnership working we spearhead with organisations such as the council, police, BIDs, street pasts, Fire and Rescue and the Security Industry Authority is really proving successful in creating a safe late-night economy”.  

Entry applications​ will close on 18 August.