A NEW nationally-recognised scheme to improve standards and promote excellence in running licensed premises has been launched in Bradford.

The Best Bar None accreditation scheme, which is supported by the Home Office and the drinks industry, aims to help provide a safer night out for all visitors to the city centre.

It has been launched by Bradford at Night, the recently-launched membership organisation which hopes to make the city centre a safer, more vibrant and enjoyable place to be after 5pm, which is supported by the Bradford Business Improvement District (BID).

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford at Night ENTE co-ordinator Elizabeth Murphy (right) at the Best Bar None scheme launch in Bradford with Ben Dixon from WetherspoonsBradford at Night ENTE co-ordinator Elizabeth Murphy (right) at the Best Bar None scheme launch in Bradford with Ben Dixon from Wetherspoons

Best Bar None aims to support efforts to:

  • reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder;
  • build positive relationships between the licensed trade, police and local authorities;
  • improving knowledge and skills in the responsible management of licensed premises;
  • recognise and reward responsible premises;
  • support venues to meet the minimum standards;
  • champion ongoing improvement in the management of licensed premises;
  • and enable the sharing of good practice among licensed premises.

Elizabeth Murphy, Bradford at Night’s evening & night-time economy co-ordinator, said: “Bradford city centre has a lot of great pubs, bars and hostelries dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and enjoyable night out for all their customers and the response to the launch of Best Bar None has, not surprisingly, been very enthusiastic and welcoming.

“What the scheme does is to formalise all their efforts and provide support and a framework to help them share best practice and work together to raise standards across the piste.

“We want all of our venues to be responsibly managed and operated, to strive for improvement, be socially responsible and to provide a safer and more enjoyable night out for everyone who comes into Bradford.”

The scheme is open to all hospitality businesses in the city centre and members of Bradford at Night can apply to join the scheme for free.

A steering group has already been set up consisting of venue owners and managers; Inspector Richard Baildon, the Bradford City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team lead; Dave Downes, director of Bradford At Night and Bradford BID; Jonny Noble, Bradford BID manager; and Lorraine Betts, of Street Pastors.

A key part of Best Bar None is an awards scheme, set up to recognise and reward responsible premises, which will need to submit a detailed application showcasing their good practices and achievements.

Entries will be reviewed by a judging panel and an awards dinner will be held to celebrate the winners.

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