Wrexham Pubwatch scheme “highly commended” at national awards ceremony

Pub and bar owners in Wrexham have been highly commended for their contribution to community safety.

Wrexham Pubwatch carried off a prize at the National Pubwatch Awards, which were hosted in the House of Lords in London last week.

The commendation recognises the Wrexham team as one of three leading national schemes.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas attended the ceremony and met the winners from his constituency, who were highly commended in the ‘outstanding social responsibility’ category.

Judges were impressed by the local ‘Drink Less, Enjoy More’ campaign which focused on refusing to serve drunks and training for door staff to help them identify and protect vulnerable individuals.

Mr Lucas said: “Congratulations to Wrexham Pubwatch. I was immensely proud to hear a group from Wrexham had been honoured in the Pubwatch Awards and it was a pleasure to meet the winners on the day.

“Pubwatch schemes are important when it comes to creating a safer drinking environment and this success shows we have one of the best schemes in the UK.”

Now in its seventh year, the National Pubwatch Awards champion the work of Pubwatch schemes throughout the UK. Entrants are judged by a panel of National Pubwatch committee members and industry experts who identify the scheme which made the greatest contribution to its community.

Wrexham Pubwatch has been running for seven years. It was established as an addition to the existing wider Nightsafe partnership and has a membership of 24 licensees, with David Thomas its licensee chair.

Each local Pubwatch works in partnership with local police to reduce alcohol-related crime, while providing local pubs with information and guidance on how to ensure a safe drinking environment in their community.

The overall winners on the night were Chelmsford Pubwatch, who have helped reduce violence and night-time crime in the city by 45%.

Melissa Yorke, sales director GB On-Trade, added: “Partnership organisations like Pubwatch make a real difference to local communities and it is brilliant to see so many schemes getting involved and making an impact through this year’s Awards programme.

“I was hugely impressed by the work undertaken by Chelmsford City that has had such a positive impact in reducing crime amongst member organisations’ premises.

“I also want to congratulate Chester and Wrexham for their outstanding work”.