The organisation, which aims to promote safe and secure drinking environments in licensed premises, has awarded the individuals for multiple acts including best practice, partnership, working and bravery.
Reading Pubwatch honorary secretary, Bill Donne, was given the Award of Merit, which recognises those that have contributed to the success of Pubwatch schemes, for his leading role over the past 20 years in supporting and educating venue operators.
Donne holds many years of experience as a venue owner and Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
Reading Pubwatch has maintained a strong presence within the town centre for over 20-years, and has provided effective crime reduction initiatives and training opportunities for operators, which have helped to reduce violent and anti-social behaviour.
Donne expressed his thoughts on the award, he said: “I am delighted and honoured to be recognised for the work in Reading, which has made the town a safer place to socialise.”
Great accolade
He added: “It has all been about partnership working and ensuring that people can come out in Reading and enjoy themselves safely. To be recognised by my peers in the industry is a great accolade.”
The Bravery & Meritorious Conduct Award, which pays tribute to individuals whose actions have either saved lives or minimised physical harm, were awarded to door supervisor Dominic Hewitt and former bar manager at Popworld in Chelmsford, Sinéad Ní Ghiolla Bhrighde.
The pair were recognised for their efforts in saving a man’s life after a violent incident on the street in Chelmsford.
Both Hewitt and Bhrighde were trained paramedics at the time of the incident, which occurred in March 2024.
On receiving his award, Hewitt said: “At the time you don’t think, you just step in and do what you need to do. It is good to be recognised as a door supervisor for the good that we do.”
Sinéad Ní Ghiolla Bhrighde, who now works as a paramedic for the London Ambulance Service, added: “I was honoured to be put forward for this award. We acted on instinct and it triggered that response.
“It is lovely that both of us are receiving this award together as we are great friends and we really appreciate it.”
Hard work
Meanwhile, the Malcolm Eidmans award, which is sponsored by Poppleston Allen, was awarded to Hampstead Police Alcohol Licensing Officer Collin Pollard.
Pollard was noticed for his work in supporting the Portsmouth Pubwatch scheme in its efforts to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
Pollard said: “I was overjoyed to receive a phone call to tell me I had won the Malcolm Eidmans Award. I understand Pubwatch and I have known of the benefits for some time.”
The awards were presented at the National Pubwatch, which supports more than 800 schemes throughout the UK, conference this week, and were held at The Double Tree by Hilton London Elstree.
National Pubwatch chair, Steve Baker OBE said: “It was a real privilege to recognise these award winners for all their hard work, partnership working and bravery.”
He added: “National Pubwatch as an organisation believes it is important to recognise all these individuals who have done so much to make the late-night economy a safer place.”
