National Pubwatch launches major review
The voluntary organisation has launched a survey to analyse the impact of pubwatches in creating safer drinking environments.
National Pubwatch has launched new research to demonstrate the importance of local pubwatch schemes in fighting crime and disorder.
The voluntary organisation, which supports over 800 pubwatches across the UK, has commissioned a team of academics at Leeds Beckett University to study National Pubwatch and local pubwatch schemes and uncover their effectiveness in reducing crime and supporting community safety.
A key element of the analysis is a survey of people involved in running and promoting pubwatch initiatives. This includes licensees and staff, representatives from local authorities and police, as well as members of other organisations that collaborate with pubwatches. National Pubwatch is calling for people to take the survey here.
The research is being funded with support from both JD Wetherspoon and Diageo.
National Pubwatch chair Steve Baker OBE comments: "I would like to thank two of our main sponsors JD Wetherspoon and Diageo for generously funding this crucial research which we hope will highlight the importance of pubwatch schemes in creating a safe environment for people to work and socialise."
"We are asking for you to fill out this survey to showcase the integral work that pubwatches do," he adds. "With the new government pledging to tackle anti-social behaviour, it will be great to showcase how important pubwatches are in helping to achieve safe, secure and responsibly led social drinking environments."
Follow-up to 2013
The latest study is a follow-up to a similar study conducted in 2013, which found that almost two-thirds of respondents felt their local pubwatch scheme contributed to a decrease in alcohol-related violence in their premises and local area.
Not only this, but 94% said it was important for National Pubwatch to offer support and advice for new schemes, and an equal percentage said it was crucial to providing ongoing community support.
The latest research will also ask participants to identify good practices, suggest improvements and innovations to develop National Pubwatch and local schemes.
"The aim of this research is to establish the key benefits of National and local pubwatch schemes for a range of stakeholders and make recommendations for improvements," says Dr Alexandra Kenyon of Leeds Becket University.
"It will be interesting to see 10-years on from the original research how important the stakeholders involved in pubwatches feel they are continuing to help create a safer environment for customers and staff working in the night-time economy."
Click here to fill out the survey.
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