Pubwatch: questions on its validity and a police response

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to raise some of the criticisms that have been made of the Pubwatch scheme, and seeks to address them.

Design/methodology/approach

The criticisms have all been made by licensees. The responses are the personal views of Inspector Nigel Bailey, a member of the National Pubwatch Steering Committee.

Findings

The dialogue indicates that the scheme has a clear logic, but is still in the process of development.

Research limitations/implications

If Pubwatch is going to assist in the control of anti‐social behaviour, more research is needed to discover what has been achieved around the country.

Practical implications

Anyone involved in the licensed trade, including customers, may feel relieved at the answers to some of these questions, and may feel more inclined to support Pubwatch.

Originality/value

Pubwatch is a recent development, and is largely under‐researched. In addition, the public is often unaware of its existence. Papers such as this are intended to increase awareness and the assess ways of addressing drink‐related ant‐social behaviour.

Citation

Pratten, J. and Bailey, N. (2005), "Pubwatch: questions on its validity and a police response", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 359-364. https://doi.org/10.1108/09596110510597615