Walker Morris Licensing Team Shortlisted for Home Office Award

July 2010

The Walker Morris Licensing Team was shortlisted out of 5000 contractors to receive an award from the Home Office for "Best Example of Collaborative Working with the Home Office."

The supplier value and innovation awards, now in their third year, recognise the achievements of Home Office suppliers who deliver value over and above expectations and to help the Home Office meet the challenges of the current economic climate.

Walker Morris was shortlisted for its work with the Home Office department's Alcohol Strategy Unit over the last 18 months to raise the importance of robust enforcement of "problem" licensed premises - training and encouraging partnership amongst all interested parties and enforcement agencies.

Walker Morris and, in particular, Paddy Whur, played an integral role in 13 regional two-day training events, a further 53 two-day training events in priority areas and four intensive support visits in areas suffering in particular from alcohol related crime and disorder. They also contributed to the planning and content of the events, drafting materials for a comprehensive guide and providing ongoing legal support to the department and enforcement agencies.

Paddy Whur, partner, commented:

"This is a fantastic achievement for our team. We played a truly integral role on this project with the Alcohol Strategy Unit and it is rewarding to hear that there have been significant benefits reported back to the Home Office – with a direct reduction in crime and removal of problem premises in some areas. The guidance we have been able to provide has really heightened awareness of the tools and powers available to the police and licensing authorities through the Licensing Act."

The team was recognised for providing value over and above that agreed when the contract was awarded – we had originally only arranged to provide a question and answer session at the 13 regional events. We also provided ad hoc advice and guidance to attendees at the training courses, even giving a free session to police officers present on a licence review hearing!