The scheme, at its simplest, is a message-passing link between licensees: the object of which is to combat violence and other criminal conduct when it occurs in licensed premises. It hopefully creates better communication between licensees and police to find solutions to the problems related to violence & criminality on licensed premises.

PubWatch would also like to counter accusations that licensees are only interested in making money from other people's excessive drinking - by highlighting the positive contribution made by local licensees.