A new accreditation scheme which will ‘raise the bar’ for public safety and the way the county’s pubs and clubs are managed has been launched in Nottinghamshire.

The new Nottinghamshire-wide Best Bar None scheme aims to improve standards and promote responsible management in licensed premises. It is being funded for the next three years by Nottinghamshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire.

Nationally, where best bar none schemes are already established, there has been a dramatic reduction in anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence, enhancing the customer experience and creating a safer environment.

To be awarded a Best Bar None accreditation, all premises are visited by trained, impartial assessors who not only look at core standards, but also note where premises have gone the extra mile to ensure customer safety and comfort. This could anything from a well-managed CCTV system and measures to crackdown on anti-social behaviour drug and alcohol misuse to consulting neighbours over events, keeping noise at reasonable levels and even installing handbag hooks under tables.

As well as making premises safer, the scheme can be used as a way to improve customer service and promote the area as being well managed and safe. There will be an awards night in 2015 and the public will have the chance to vote for their favourite premises.

Accreditation will provide reassurance to customers that they are an approved venue and give pubs and clubs will have the opportunity to win one of a number of awards, likely to include categories such as best village pub, best bar and best sports club.

Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I want people to have a safe and enjoyable night out wherever they are in Nottinghamshire and I also want to see alcohol-related crime reduce.  I think this scheme will help achieve both those aims. 

“It’s a win-win situation, as the pubs and clubs accredited to the scheme are likely to see an increase in trade from customers who are confident that they can enjoy themselves in safe surroundings.”

Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, Chairman of Community Safety Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Many pubs and clubs across the county already do some fantastic work to promote a safe, enjoyable and well-managed environment for their customers. Best Bar None is a nationally recognised scheme which gives us the opportunity to recognise that fantastic work, whilst reassuring customers that they are the best possible hands when they go out to enjoy themselves.

“For those venues that don’t currently meet high standards, Best Bar None gives them a benchmark to aspire to and the food for thought that they face a loss of trade and added scrutiny unless they improve.”

Venues interested in taking part should contact the scheme co-ordinator on 0843 866 7282 or on [email protected]