A scheme to help safeguard female drinkers drinkers using Trowbridge pubs has been relaunched.
Starting two months ago, Trowbridge Pub Watch is now fully up and running with around 14 of the pubs in the town centre and the immediate surrounding area taking part.
Ruby Goodman, of the Stallards Inn, who chairs the monthly meetings, says their aim is to safeguard women using the pubs and make the streets safer.
She said: “It is helping to make Trowbridge pubs a bit safer because we are in communication about any wrongdoings of any sorts by anyone.
“They are not able to access other pubs in town which means everyone in those pubs has a safer night.
“It obviously benefits other publicans just because there is less trouble at other venues if they are not letting in people if they have been kicked out elsewhere.”
Most of the pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops that sell alcohol have signed up to the scheme and those that haven’t are outside the town centre.
PC Richard Tottle, the Wiltshire Police Alcohol Licensing Officer for West Wiltshire, said the move is part of the National Violence Against Woman and Girls campaign.
He said: “The group will meet to discuss various issues and to share information about ongoing concerns affecting the alcohol trade in and around Trowbridge.
“Also discussed is the general night-time economy including the Safer Streets initiative for the town centre.
“These pubs and venues are also supported by pubs on the outskirts of the town.”
The Trowbridge Pub Watch group have recently engaged in Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training as part of the National Violence Against Woman and Girls campaign.
One of the publicans who has joined the Trowbridge Pub Watch scheme is Tori Jordan, co-owner of the Still Sisters distillery in St George’s Works.
She said: “We are proud to work with a great community of individuals to keep our town, staff, and customers safe in the night-time economy.
“We don't just display posters. We are an active group making a difference in the town.
“Our venues proudly display our Safer Nights charter and work closely with the street wardens, police and local authorities to make our town safer at night.
"We are so proud to work with them, creating a community of businesses to keeping people safer at night.
“These businesses are committed to ensuring you have a fun and safe night in your town.”
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