Finalists for the national Best Bar None awards are Sheffield, Durham City and Bedfordshire. The winner will be announced at a reception at the House of Lords on January 31.
In Durham, Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “Our Best Bar None programme has been a tremendous success over the years and we are both proud and delighted to have once again been shortlisted for the overall scheme award. Best Bar None has helped make socialising in our city’s pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs a safe and enjoyable experience and we are keeping our fingers crossed that we can go one better than last year and bring home the top prize.”
PC Claire McNaney, alcohol harm reduction officer at Durham Constabulary, said: “It’s great news that the scheme has been nominated for a national award and is seen as a flagship nationally. There has been some tremendous work by all involved to make socialising in Durham City as safe as possible and everyone should be very proud.”
Sheffield was recently told it had retained Purple Flag status, marking its vibrant and safe evening and night-time economy. Last year the Sheffield partners took two of the national Best Bar None awards.
Sheffield Business Improvement District (BID) Sergeant Matthew Burdett said: “I am delighted to hear that once again we are in the running for this flagship award and send out a big thank you to everyone who gets involved in this important work for the city. Sheffield is now recognised as a leader in this field of work and we are looked to for advice and best practice – a credit to everyone involved.”
Tracey Ford, Best Bar Coordinator of Sheffield City Council Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team, said: “To win two out of the three national awards last year was a fantastic achievement for the city, but to be in the top three again is simply amazing. We try to ensure that the Sheffield scheme continues to improve by listening to our licensed premises and other organisations. The success of the scheme is due to the dedication and passion of our partnership working.”
The judging nationally is by representatives from industry, the media and government. Robert Humphreys, Chairman of Best Bar None, said: “The growing number of schemes around the country is pushing up the standard of entry across all categories. It is particularly pleasing to see that innovation is leading the way in how, through collaboration, agencies and the industry are finding solutions to anti-social behaviour and other alcohol related harms.”
About BBN
The Best Bar None award scheme, supported by the Home Office and the drinks industry, is to promote responsible management and operation of alcohol licensed premises.
