The Hull City Centre Pubwatch scheme will launch next week, at an event on Tuesday November 28. Pubwatch is a national voluntary project which aims to support a safe and responsible nighttime economy. Pubs and bars can voluntarily sign up to work in partnership with local organisations including councils and police, to increase training, information sharing and more.
Pubwatch will be launched by the Safer Hull Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which the council is part of, thanks to funding from the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner.
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has committed to funding various CSP projects to enhance safety in the Night Time Economy (NTE). This scheme will promote a responsibly led social drinking environment and evening economy in all licensed premises in the HU1 area – the city centre and old town.
The launch will take place on Tuesday November 28 at the Holiday Inn, with the scheme following the guidelines set by National Pubwatch.
Cllr Dave McCobb, whose portfolio includes crime and communities, said: ““Making Hull safer is one of our top priorities. That’s why this scheme is great news for everyone who socialises in the city.
“We want all those using our pubs and bars to feel safe and know that should anything happen, support is there.
“We will continue to work with those who own and run our local venues, as well as the Police and the Police & Crime Commissioner, to ensure this scheme can roll out successfully.
“This is great timing, just as we head into the festive season and more people are out enjoying themselves”.
PCC Jonathan Evison said: “It is important that people feel safe to socialise in our area, especially in the run up to the festive season.
“I am really pleased to be supporting the launch of Pubwatch in the city.”
The event will provide an opportunity for local venues to network and find out more information on how they can access materials and resources to support the safety of their venue.
This includes:
- Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (LSAVI) – a ground-breaking initiative which brings together for the first time, the guidance, standards and advice that licensed premises need to meet the requirements of Responsible Authorities in England and Wales.
- Welfare And Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training – delivered to professionals working in the NTE including events staff, police and violence prevention officers to increase public safety and football in the NTE.
- Ask for Angela – a code-phrase which will indicate to staff that you require help, and a trained member of staff will then look to support and assist you.
- Communities in Motion training – a project funded by the Violence Prevention Partnership to deliver training sessions and a train the trainer programme that will raise awareness of sexual violence and how it can impact on the NTE.
The Pubwatch scheme is also supported by other Hull City Council departments (Licensing, CCTV, SaferHull), as well as Humberside Police (Licensing, NPT officers), HullBID and City Of Hull Street Angels.
If you would like to sign up to this event, please click here.
