Harrogate BID has announced it will be continuing to fund and support the town's Pubwatch scheme.
The BID (Business Improvement District) supplies funding on an annual basis to the initiative – which operates under national guidelines to ensure those that attend venues in the North Yorkshire town can do so safely and enjoyably.
But, earlier this year, the BID team also took on a more administrative role with the Pubwatch scheme, monitoring the app and helping with any incident reports and banning orders.
Matthew Chapman, BID Manager at Harrogate BID, said:
“We’ve always been keen supporters of the Pubwatch scheme in our town. It does a great job of deterring those up to no good away from our venues, helping to create a safe and welcoming environment.
“This year, we thought we’d take a different approach rather than just offering funding.
“Our team are now slightly more involved with the behind the scenes process, taking some of the weight off the Pubwatch committee who provide their time and expertise in kind.
“We’re delighted to continue to develop our relationship with those that help to make our night-time economy thrive all year round.”
Anyone that causes any trouble in a Harrogate pub or bar can be reported on the app, which could then lead to a banning order across the town lasting from a few months up to a ‘lifetime’ ban.
If a person is banned from one venue on the scheme, they are banned from them all.
The technology provides instant information on anyone that has caused any issues within the town so that they can be excluded or denied entry to avoid any further problems.
There are currently more than 50 venues signed up to the Pubwatch scheme in Harrogate, with the hope of growing this further in the future.
The owner of one of those is Alan Huddart, who also acts as Chair for the Harrogate Pubwatch.
Alan said:
“Harrogate Pubwatch is grateful for the continued support of Harrogate BID both in terms of their financial and administrative support of the scheme.
“Their ongoing funding ensures that venues can participate in the information sharing process without any cost, which makes Harrogate Pubwatch such a success in combatting violent, antisocial and other disruptive behaviour in the town’s many licensed premises.
“There are currently 55 venues in the scheme and 77 people are banned from entering all participating sites, for a whole range of reasons from taking or dealing drugs to carrying weapons.”
The BID is hoping to work alongside the Pubwatch scheme to launch a series of new campaigns to support pubs and bars across town in 2025.
Further developments with these plans are likely to be launched in the new year.
Any venues looking to sign up for the Harrogate Pubwatch scheme should email the scheme on either hgpubwatch@gmail.com or info@harrogatebid.co.uk
Council boss receives knighthood for work with children and families
LNER funds new van for foodbank charity
Record-breaking year for Harrogate supercar financier
Harrogate care home hosts Santa’s grotto for children and staff
What trains will run through Harrogate over Christmas?
Luxury Harrogate salon rebrands following change in ownership
Plans progress for new Day Case Surgery at Harrogate Hospital
'Warm Spaces' initiative to combat loneliness launches in Harrogate
Christmas coffee morning raises over £1,100 for Saint Michael's Hospice
Harrogate's Woods Fine Linens named one of UK’s best independents
Local businessman delivers Christmas gifts to elderly Harrogate residents
Harrogate venue named one of top festive pubs in UK
Redline Specialist Cars Christmas raffle raises £10,000 for local hospice
Hospice officially opens new Boroughbridge shop
Knaresborough woman's appeal to find missing ashes ring
Harrogate pupils raise £386 for charity through Christmas Carols
Santa Paws: Festive photo competition winner revealed
New premises will lead to expansion for Harrogate hearing specialist
Council grants £1,000 for Ripon history project
Harrogate community comes together to keep town's Christmas spirit alive
