Best Bar None

The Best Bar None Awards scheme was developed by the Manchester City Centre Safe project as part of its remit to address alcohol related crime. Work in this area began following findings that indicated athat a significantly high proportion of crime (both violent and acquisitive) was directly or indirectly attached to licensed premises with poor management standards.

It was felt that in order for progress to be made in delivering a safer night time economy, a new consensual approach was required to enhance and complement traditional law enforcement activity. The objective of this approach was to provide an incentive for the operators of licensed premises to improve their standards of operation to the level of a commonly agreed national benchmark. A carrot of reward to counterbalance the stick of enforcement.

The purpose of Best Bar None

To reduce the risk of alcohol related harm, disorder and crime
To establish a benchmark of good practice in off and on trade licensed premises
To identify and reward responsible operators and share their good practice with others
To create consistency of standards throughout the Uk with which to underpin the national Alcohol Strategy and the 2003 Licensing Act
To improve the knowledge and skills of enforcement and regulation agencies, licensees and bar staff in order to deal effectively with issues relating to the management of licensed premises. To understand how this can reduce alcohol related crime and disorder, minimise the harmful effects of binge drinking, whilst improving the profitability of an individual business and attractiveness of a general area.
To raise public awareness of the benefits of choosing to use a well-run licensed premises, thereby increasing public reassurance and the promotion of social inclusion and diversity of use.
To create a positive vehicle for all sectors of the night time economy to work together in partnership for the common good
To improve the attractiveness and economic vitality of the awards area.

Best Bar None engages with all agencies that undertake enforcement or educational activity in, or connected to, licensed premises and the consumption of alcohol. The alcohol industry themselves are essential partners and not merely 'recipients' of this activity. Best Bar None provides a much neded opportunity for licensees to demonstrate to official agencies just how well they manage their own businesses. It is an opportunity for the dialogue between the two sides to be constructive rather than confrontational.

The standards outlines by Best Bar None also provide a common reference point for community officers to work with their local pubs and clubs in tackling crime and disorder issues on an ongoing basis.

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Best Bar None

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