Essex pub is first to be named safe by police

An Essex pub has become the first to be accredited as part of a new safe pubs police scheme.

The Bull Hotel in Bridge Street, Halstead, won the award as part of the Essex Police Safer Bars Accreditation Scheme. Pubs which apply for accreditation are inspected by police and council licensing officers to assess the efforts they have made to keep their customers safe.

If the pub meets the requirements, the licensee is presented with a plaque for display in the bar.

Chris Heap, general manager of the Bull, which is owned by brewer Greene King, said: "We are proud to be the first in the county to receive the award. It demonstrates our commitment to providing safe and convivial surroundings for customers old and new."

Braintree district police licensing officer Stephen Sparrow, who judged the pub, is hoping the scheme will improve safety in Essex pubs.

He said: "It is good to see the Bull leading the way in Essex and showing a strong commitment to comfort and safety. We are keen to work with the licensed trade to maintain the district's reputation as a safe place to go out for a drink."