Thames Valley Area Best Bar None

Best Bar None (BBN) is an accreditation and awards scheme which focuses on safety and customer care and is designed to help raise standards in the licensed trade.

Successfully piloted in Manchester in 2003 BBN has gone from strength to strength, with 100 areas now running the scheme.

BBN has been adopted by West Berkshire Council and working in partnership with Thames Valley Police and other local licensing authorities has established 'Thames Valley Area Best Bar None' accreditation scheme which seeks to recognise efficiently managed venues who provide a safe and enjoyable environment for customers, discourage binge drinking and prevent alcohol-related crime.

The aims of the scheme are:

· To reduce the incidents of crime and disorder associated with the consumption of alcohol.
· To promote Newbury Town Centre as a safe and professional environment in which to live, work, visit and socialise.
· To identify and reward responsible licensed premises.
· To share good practice with each other in order to raise standards.

The scheme will be delivered at local level by active partnerships between the industry, local authorities and police.

The Awards will be based on core national standards with local flexibility to ensure local needs are addressed and auditors will assess premises in relation to the four licensing objectives introduced under Licensing Act 2003. These are:

1. Prevention of Crime and Disorder
2. Public Safety
3. Prevention of Public Nuisance
4. Prevention of Children from Harm

As the scheme is intended to be inclusive and not exclusive it will give consideration to the different types of premises and operators will be assessed based on their own merits and proportionate to the scale and type of business to ensure no premises will be disadvantaged.

BBN accreditation will be awarded to premises who meet 100% of the 'essential' criteria (minimum standard) with further recognition going to outstanding and exceptional performers.

Each premises will be presented with a BBN plaque, a recognised quality brand, to display at the premises as an indicator that the venue is working harder to give customers a safer night out. The award will last for twelve months.

By taking part a premises could receive discounted insurance premiums and cover, help provide safe and pleasant licensed premises and in turn benefit from more visitors and customers.

All eligible pubs, bars, clubs and off licences in West Berkshire interested in taking part in the 2010 scheme to register their interests with the Licensing Team on tel: 01635 519209 or licensing@westberks.gov.uk

Further information is also available from official BBN website www.bestbarnone.com