Torridge District Council supports call for Bideford licensees to sign-up to local Pubwatch Scheme

A group of Licensees are setting up a Pubwatch scheme in Bideford.  Following an initial successful first meeting, the Group is inviting Licensees across the town to attend a meeting on Tuesday 12 May 2026 to find out more about the nationwide scheme. The Scheme is supported by Torridge District Council and Devon and Cornwall Police.

Pubwatch is a voluntary, local, independent group of licensed premises (pubs, bars, clubs) working together to promote a joint approach to safety initiatives, such as the "Ask Angela" scheme and to combat antisocial behaviour and crime. By sharing information, and imposing shared bans on troublemakers, they aim to create safer environments for customers and staff, collaborating with local police and the Council's Licensing Team.

Possible sanctions available to a Pubwatch Committee include a written warning, a ban from the reporting premises only, a 6 month ban or a 1, 2, 3, 5 year or lifetime ban from all licensed premises in the area.

There is already a successful Pubwatch scheme operating in Holsworthy. Jon Hutchings, Publican, The White Hart Hotel, Holsworthy said:

"The Holsworthy Pubwatch started around 2 years ago. It brought all the licencees in the town together including the pubs and clubs. As a group we meet and discuss licencing issues and share information relating to anti-social behaviour. We have as a group had to ban several people which makes our pubs safer places for customers to visit. It also helps our staff as it gives them a tool to use a warning to those who do not want to act within the law or within the individual pub's rules."

Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health and Community Safety, Torridge District Council, said:

"We are happy to support the Pubwatch Scheme and would strongly encourage as many licensees as possible to come along to the meeting and find out more about this very important scheme.  By joining together, Bideford's licensees can send a clear message, that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in our community. This is an excellent demonstration of how a close working relationship between licensed premises, council officers, the police and its partners - can help to create a safer environment for everyone wanting to enjoy a night out."

Detective Seargent, Donna Money, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said:

"Strong communities are built on shared responsibility. This new Pubwatch initiative in Bideford brings venues, staff and local partners together with a common goal: creating safer, more welcoming spaces where everyone can enjoy a night out with confidence and respect. It's great to see local Pubs wanting to be part of this and we hope that the community welcome this initiative and continue to behave in a manner that means they can enjoy themselves and wonderful establishments we have."

Pubwatch is a pro-active scheme run by the licensees themselves supported by Torridge District Council Licensing Team and Devon and Cornwall Police.

May 26