Home Secretary Theresa May praises voluntary schemes to fight drunkeness

In the foreword to the Alcohol Strategy document produced this week May said that targeted action from pubs and bars themselves which has "proved by far the most effective in curbing irresponsible drinking." She also highlighted the success of Community Alcohol Partnerships and Purple Flag.

May said that the effects of Best Bar None on reducing drunkeness and in particular on reducing drunken behaviour "can be spectacular".

Philip Kolvin QC, Best Bar None chairman said: "I am pleased with the language and tone of the Government response, and in particular with the recognition it gives to effectiveness of Best Bar None schemes. It is up to us now to repay the trust which Government has reposed in us. With the hard work taking place at local level up and down the land, I know that we can do so."

May also referenced towns and cities where Best Bar None (BBN) has been most effective, specifically highlighting the scheme’s success in Doncaster and Durham. Since Doncaster introduced the BBN scheme in 2006, violent crime has fallen in the town centre during the evening by over 40 per cent, whereas Durham has seen crimes of violence reduce by nearly 60 per cent.

Best Bar None national director, Simon Jackson, added: “I am delighted Mrs May and the Home Office have recognised our hard work. We build positive relationships between the licensed trade, police and local authorities to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder, and it is these close working relationships which have been proven to result in success.”