Barnsley set for launch of Best Bar None scheme

PUBS and clubs in Barnsley town centre are set to benefit from a new scheme being launched by the Barnsley Safer Communities Partnership. 

The Best Bar None scheme urges licensees to call time on alcohol-related disorder and sets a benchmark for safer operating protocols.

Inspector Ian Barber, from the Barnsley Safer Communities Partnership, said: This is all about licensed premises improving their standards to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder, making the town a more attractive place for people to go during the evening.

Working with town centre licensed premises will allow us to identify those which are doing the right things, reward them and hold them up as good examples. It also allows us to identify the venues which have poor standards so we can encourage them to raise their game to an appropriate standard.

A launch event will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday, 9 January at Barnsley Town Hall.

The key elements of Best Bar None are

"           the promotion of responsible licensed trade management,

"           the promotion of socially responsible drinking,

"           a commitment to caring for and protecting customers,

"           a commitment to reducing the potential for disorder in the town centre and public places arising from alcohol abuse.

The scheme is an accredited, competitive process. Once premises have applied to become accredited, specialist trained assessors will carry out inspections. Assessment involves issues such as door and security policies and practice, first aid and health and safety provision, how venues deal with customers and handle incidents of alcohol abuse, and how they dealt with drugs. Venues which give evidence they meet a set benchmark will be rewarded with Best Bar None accreditation.

Accredited schemes will then have the opportunity to be identified as winners in one of three categories:

"           Barnsley Chronicle Readers Award

"           Dearne FM Listeners Award

"           Overall Winners (to be determined by a panel of nominated judges).

Inspector Barber added: The Best Bar None Award Scheme is a positive vehicle for all sectors of the night-time economy to work together in partnership for a common good, resulting in improvements to the attractiveness and economic vitality of Barnsley.

Through the scheme were seeking to help Barnsleys licensees understand how they can reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder, minimise the harmful effects of binge drinking whilst improving the profitability of their individual business and attractiveness of the general area.

The scheme is sponsored by the Barnsley Chronicle, Dearne FM, Bluebell Inn, Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, EJ Lidster Construction and Barnsley Building Society. 

ENDS

Issued by press office, 01226 773442, email: pressoffice@barnsley.gov.uk