Best Bar None slashes paperwork

Best Bar None (BBN) schemes have drastically cut the amount of paperwork to save licensees time.

Some Best Bar None schemes, which reward socially responsible premises, are now simply asking for an expression of interest via phone or email. The bulk of the application is then filled in during a personal visit from a BBN inspector.

Ann Hyland, Birmingham Best Bar None, said: "This is our first year and we wanted to make sure that as many premises entered as possible.

"We spent time talking to other schemes about the application process and many said that they were moving away from longer application forms to encourage licensees to get involved.

"We decided not to launch our scheme with a long form but simply asked interested venues to complete a short expression of interest form. Almost 20% of venues in Birmingham completed this form."

John McNamara, BBN chief executive, added: "Schemes are evolving their processes every year and are sharing their best practice and learnings with new schemes so that, as a whole BBN, can progress in a way that meet the needs of the individual communities.

"We have always said that BBN is a local initiative and that it is important that it is effective locally.

"Licensees often feel that they are disappearing under official forms and red tape - BBN should not be another chore but a positive business move.

"Schemes who are asking shorter forms or expressions of interest are recognising that issue for licensees and making their scheme more accessible."