The award recognises Martin’s long-standing backing of Pubwatch schemes and his role in strengthening collaboration to improve safety standards across the licensed trade.
Outstanding contribution
National Pubwatch, a voluntary body supporting more than 800 local schemes across the UK, works to promote safe and secure drinking environments within licensed premises. The award of merit is presented to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the organisation and the wider night-time economy.
Sir Tim has backed National Pubwatch and local schemes for nearly 30 years and has previously described them as the best initiative to raise standards and tackle bad behaviour.
An example of his support came when he intervened to provide legal backing to the Buckingham and Haverhill Pubwatch schemes during judicial review challenges. Landmark rulings in 2008 and 2010 upheld the Common Law right of licensees to meet, share information and collectively exclude problem individuals.
Over 500 JDW pubs are signed up to Pubwatch, and the company has sponsored National Pubwatch initiatives, including UK wide research projects in 2012 and 2025, and the annual National Pubwatch Award presented at the House of Lords.
‘I am proud’
Sir Tim said: “I am proud to be honoured by National Pubwatch. Wetherspoon has more than 500 pubs signed up to Pubwatch and our managers play an important part in their success. National Pubwatch is a vitally important organisation within the pub sector.”
National Pubwatch chair Steve Baker OBE said the committee was unanimous in recognising Sir Tim’s “great contribution to the industry and to Pubwatches nationwide”.
Awards were also presented to John Hughes, chair of Liverpool Pubwatch, and to police representatives supporting local schemes.
