Best Bar None to roll out into 23 'hot spots'

by Ewan Turney

The Best Bar None awards scheme is to be rolled out to 23 of the most violent areas of Britain by the beginning of next year.

The scheme, which recognises and rewards best practice, tests venues against a range of criteria including drugs policy and the training of bar and door staff. It has proved a huge success since it was launched in Manchester under the guidance of Sergeant Jan Brown.

Brown said the Best Bar None scheme was a 'great strategy to avoid the looming threat of alcohol disorder zones. 'The Best Bar None project may well prove very helpful in those areas which have serious problems with violent crime, she said. 'It can be a constructive and helpful tool.

Although Brown declined to identify specific areas, it is believed that talks have taken place with London mayor Ken Livingstone. The roll out follows the creation of a Best Bar None working group in March, consisting of representatives from the trade, police and councils. The group will provide a central framework to give schemes a nationwide consistency.

'It is very much a 'bottoms up' project and communities will be able to develop it to fit in with their own agendas, said Brown. 'It is a partnership between the trade and police and the benefits can be immense. Not only do venues get a survey of their premises but it tells them where they are up to so they can take remedial action.

'It is a great learning tool and tells people how to get to the next rung on the responsibility ladder. It is about developing and sharing best practice. There are some fantastic ideas out there.

Brown added that she was constantly 'amazed by the number of enquiries she receives from licensees wanting to set up their own schemes.

'There has been so much enthusiasm and support from people wanting to get involved. There is a terrific will from those in the industry to identify best practice. At the end of the day we all want to make city centres safe and accessible to all.