Best Bar None
Shropshire Best Bar None was launched in January 2009 by the Shropshire Division of West Mercia Police together with the Safer Shrewsbury Pub & Shop Watch Partnership.
The Best Bar None is an awards scheme for licensed premises, currently running in over 80 locations across the UK.
It was developed by the Manchester City Centre project to address alcohol related crime and improve the night time environment.
It was felt that in order for progress to be made in delivering a safer night time economy, a new partnership approach was needed alongside more traditional law enforcement activity.
Best Bar None schemes provide an incentive for the operators of licensed premises to improve their standards of an operation to the level of a commonly agreed national benchmark.
Best Bar None provides a much needed opportunity for the licensees to demonstrate to official agencies just how well they manage their own business. It is an opportunity for positive dialogue between the two sides.
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.
In 2007 an agreement was reached between Greater Manchester Police, the Home Office and BII, the professional body for the licensed retail sector, to develop the scheme nationally. An independent board has been formed and is currently chaired by Lord Rupert Redesdale.
The key elements of Best Bar None are:
• Promotion of responsible licensed trade management.
• Promotion of socially responsible drinking.
• Commitment to caring for, and protecting customers.
• Commitment to reducing the potential for disorder in town centres and public places
arising from alcohol abuse.
