Best Bar None support from Home Office
The Home Office, police and BII have agreed a joint approach to develop the highly successful Best Bar None initiative.
The scheme will come under the auspices of a new national steering committee drawn from across the licensed retail industry, the police and local authorities.
A separate steering committee comprising representatives from the three is currently working on a detailed project plan for the transition to the new structure.
They hope to invite a national to become the Honorary Chair of the new group and the transition phase will last for approximately six months.
In the meantime, steps are being taken to ensure that any area who wishes to adopt the BBN standard is able to access guidance and information delivered via the Home Office Crime & Disorder website - www.crimereduction.gov.uk
John McNamara, chief executive of the BII said: "We are delighted to be associated with the Best Bar None initiative which is a major success story in areas adopting this as part of wider strategies to raise standards.
"Many of our members have been closely involved with a number of schemes across the country and they are a shining example of good partnership between the industry, police and local authorities in improving our night-time economy. I look forward to working with our partners in taking the scheme to its next phase of development and to helping create a national steering group under the Chairmanship of a national figure."
Paul Evans, from the Home Office, said: "I am delighted that the Home Office is continuing to support this successful initiative. By further extending and promoting the scheme, in partnership with the licensed retail trade at a national level.
"Best Bar None will be instrumental in helping to improve the night time economy in the UK. It already has a good track record in the local areas that have adopted it as part of their night time economy improvement strategies and I look forward to seeing it having an even greater impact in the future."
