Ashbourne licensees representing licensed premises attended the launch meeting for the ‘Ashbourne Pubwatch Scheme’ on Wednesday 19th November 2025.
A Pubwatch Scheme is a community-based crime prevention initiative involving licensees, police, and other agencies.
A Pubwatch Scheme enables licensees to gather and exchange information regarding anti-social behaviour, helping to reduce and prevent violence in licensed premises. The scheme is not intended as a punishment but to promote a safe and secure environment for staff, licensees and customers.
Incidents will be assessed by Pub Watch Committee members according to:
- The seriousness of the original incident(s)·
- The acceptance -or not- of wrongdoing by the person·
- The feelings of all persons involved in the incident·
- Any restitution that has already been undertaken
The below factors are examples of the type of behaviour which could be considered by the Pubwatch Committee:
- Low Severity – Unruly behaviour, low level disturbance, drunkenness (non-aggravated).
- Moderate Severity – Threatening behaviour, Violent behaviour, drunkenness (aggravated), criminal damage, possession of drugs.
- High Severity – Extremely violent behaviour, use of weapons (including glasses and bottles), theft, drug dealing.
Possible sanctions available to the 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.
Pubwatch is a pro-active scheme run by the licensees themselves supported by Derbyshire Dales Licensing Team and Derbyshire Constabulary.
