The director of six licensed venues — four in Mansfield town centre — has been presented with an award for outstanding achievement.

Paul Anderton recently retired as chairperson of the Mansfield Association of Licensed Venues (MALV) and received the National Pubwatch / HIT Star Award.

He is pictured at the presentation with Paul Horton, East Midlands regional representative for National Pubwatch, and Jeremy Scorer, licensed trade director of Hospitality Industry Training (HIT), sponsors of the HIT Star Award for Outstanding Achievement.

National Pubwatch is a voluntary organisation set up to promote best practice and works to promote safe, secure, and social drinking environments in all licensed premises throughout the UK.

Paul Anderton, whose career in licensed premises started in 1982, said: “It’s such an honour to receive the award. I have thoroughly enjoyed helping licensed premises throughout Mansfield, and the various initiatives that its members and I have been involved in.

“I would like to thank everyone for all their support over the years and wish MALV all the best for the future. I am sure it will go from strength to strength in continuing to make Mansfield and the surrounsing district a safer place to socialise in.”

In 1986, Paul was a director and shareholder of Brunels Café Bar, which opened in Mansfield after the railway station was converted into an all-day venue.
Currently co-director of the Cheeky Monkey Group, which operates six venues — four in Mansfield town centre — Paul became involved in MALV in 2002, and soon become its chairperson.

He has been actively involved in many initiatives, working in partnership with both Nottinghamshire Police, Mansfield District Council, Mansfield BID, and others, supporting licensed venues.

Among the group’s notable achievements during his leadership have been weekends of action, paid-for policing on key dates, and a banned from one, banned from all policy.

Paul Horton said: “The award is for his outstanding achievement and contribution to making Mansfield and the district a safer drinking environment to go out in.

“Over the years Paul has assisted in many initiatives within the late-night economy and has worked with its members in partnership with the police, licensing authority, and other organisations and groups.”