The national programme, designed to improve standards within licensed premises through local partnerships, has launched new schemes in Swansea; Bolton, Greater Manchester; Bromsgrove, Worcestershire; Skipton, North Yorkshire; Warrington, Cheshire; and Reading, Berkshire; this year so far.
Schemes at London’s Leicester Square; Altrincham, Greater Manchester; Sunderland, Tyne and Wear; Barnsley, South Yorkshire; and Southbank/London Bridge, London; are also at “advanced planning stage”, with BBN planned to go live there later this year.
Willingness of the industry
BBN national co-ordinator Mick McDonnell said the engagement among partners across the country demonstrates “the willingness of industry” to work with police, local authorities and the private sector to create a safer environment for customers, visitors and staff as well as generating a more successful environment for businesses.
“There is much evidence of the positive contribution that schemes make in increasing footfall when promoted locally, reducing A&E admissions, lowering petty crime and improving public safety,” he said.
“Our new nationwide measurement system has been introduced to demonstrate the positive benefits of BBN within communities and to the local economy.”
Impact and contribution
McDonnell said the gathering of this new data will enable BBN to “consistently measure key areas” of alcohol-related crime and disorder and the impact a scheme has locally, as well as the contribution BBN makes collectively at a national level.
Best Bar None is a national award scheme promoting partnership working between the pub and bar trade, the police and local authorities.
It is funded by main sponsors Diageo Great Britain, Heineken UK, Molson Coors UK and Pernod Ricard UK, and is also supported by the Stonegate Pub Company, JD Wetherspoon and Novus Leisure.