Greater Manchester Police (GMP) re-launched an awards scheme for bars and nightclubs across the city.
At The Venue in Bolton, GMP were joined by licensees from across Manchester, Best Bar None UK’s (BBN) National Co-Ordinator Mick McDonnell, Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd, door security companies and taxi firms.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts from GMP said: “Best Bar None gives us a standard for everyone to work towards and it’s a real positive for Bolton that the re-launch is happening here. There have been some high profile incidents around the town’s nightlife recently and this is a very clear message that we are committed to working together to ensure everyone can enjoy the night time economy.
“We have already helped implement training for door staff around breathalysers and DrinkAware Club Hosts and have supported a pub watch scheme and the Alcohol Diversion Scheme in Bolton but Best Bar None gives the whole of Greater Manchester something to work towards and helps us all enjoy the vibrant night life that our fantastic towns and cities offer in a safe and happy way.”
About Best Bar None
The Home Office backed scheme sees police, local authorities and bar and club owners work together to reduce alcohol-related harm. Having started in Manchester in 2003, 100 towns and cities across the country have so far signed up, covering safety, welfare and concern for the vulnerable. GMP plans to roll out BBN in Bury, Salford, Tameside and Rochdale.
Mick McDonnell, National Co-ordinator for Best Bar None said, “It’s absolutely fantastic that BBN is returning to its ancestral home with the launch of the new scheme in Bolton. From when it was first launched in Greater Manchester 14 years ago, BBN has evolved into a national award scheme that enables all organisations that work in the evening and night-time economy, the police, the council, and industry to work together in partnership, to create a safer more vibrant place to go at night. Bolton becomes the latest town to join our ever growing family, and I wish them every success for the future.”
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “We all want our town and city centres to be safe places where people can enjoy a night out. The Best Bar None scheme brings police and local authorities together with local businesses and the community to work towards that ambition. It’s great to see that Bolton businesses have already started to embrace the scheme, setting the bar for the rest of Greater Manchester and sending a message that, together, we are committed to building a vibrant, safe nightlife to be proud of.”
And Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Police and Community Safety, Cllr Derek Burrows, said: “Bolton Council works in partnership with all local businesses to ensure that visitors have the best possible experience when visiting our town centre. The Best Bar None scheme aims to support and encourage reductions in alcohol related crime and disorder and builds on good relationships that already exist between the licensed premises, GMP and Bolton Council. Licensed premises in the town centre that achieve the Best Bar None accreditation show that they are committed to promoting a responsible attitude to a safe and sensible night out.”
