History and current affairs

The Loughborough Pub Watch scheme was re-launched late in December 2002 and early in 2003 it was agreed to re-name and brand it as the Loughborough Eye

A committee was formed and was made up of licensees from the town licensed premises plus representation from the University and the Police. They also enlisted the help of a volunteer (me) to act as a liaison between the Police and licensees and to assist in the running of the scheme. A rep from Charnwood Borough Council also attends as a when necessary.
Mrs Alex Nesbitt from Lloyds was elected as chairman.

The Loughborough Police took an early lead role in the group but has always considered that the licensees should play the larger part in the running of the scheme.

At the end of 2003 membership had grown to 30 licensed premises plus the Police, CBC Licensing officer and me.

Meetings for both the committee and members are monthly with the committee meeting one week prior to the members meeting.

The key areas that have been worked on and completed throughout the year are as follows.

The formal renaming to The Loughborough Eye Pub Watch Scheme.

A successful launch of the scheme in September with maximum publicity from The Leicester Mercury.

Funding of the scheme by licensees. Currently £10 per annum.

Formal membership of the National Pub Watch Group.

Funding for licensees to attend a Drugs awareness course to NVQ standard.

A policy for Banning Orders whereby people convicted of offences in licensed premises are banned from all premises of members in the Eye scheme.

Formalising the Door Watch scheme.

Continuous updating to the licensees regarding the new licensing laws shortly to be implemented.

Expanding the use of the radio system to act as an early warning to licensees of impending troublemakers.

A questionnaire to members for their views and requirements and from this to form objectives for 2004.

The adoption of the national guidelines and policies as set out in the National Pub Watch Good Practice Guide.