PUBS, clubs and restaurants are being asked to sign up to a plan to call time on problem boozing in the town centre.
Best Bar None, an accreditation scheme supported by the Home Office, will be re-launched in Barnsley later this month with the aim of promoting responsible management and running of alcohol licensed premises in the town centre.
It was discussed with councillors at a general licensing board meeting last week by enforcement officer Debbie Bailey who said it will be rolled out over the coming months.
The purpose of Best Bar None is to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder, and build a good relationship between the licensed trade, police and the council.
It also aims to improve knowledge and skills of enforcement and regulation agencies, licensees and bar staff to help them responsibly manage licensed premises.
Debbie told councillors: “We’ve not had it in Barnsley for a good few years and are in the process of launching it on November 14. It will be at the Legends Bar on Wellington Street and is a competition for licensed premises in the town centre to see who is the best one and who is keeping records and is the most compliant.
“We’ll be rolling it out over the next six months.”
It was met with interest from councillors who said they would like to more and what it entails. It was agreed to hold a special meeting to further discuss the scheme.
Coun Sarah Tattersall said: “It would be interesting to see why some (licensed premises) are compliant and some are not and not up to standards and whether it will continue after June 2018.”
Best Bar None accreditation means premises have to meet minimum standards and culminates with an award night with category winners and an overall winner.
The idea is that responsible owners are recognised and able to share good practice with others and highlight how operating more responsibly can improve profitability and make the area more attractive.
It was piloted in Manchester in 2003 and has since been adopted by 75 town and cities across the UK and is now being taken up internationally.
The Best Bar None national manager, Mick McDonnell, and colleagues from Greater Manchester Police, will be on hand at the launch to discuss how it can help with reducing alcohol-related crime and disorder and building a good relationships between the licensed trade, police and the council.
Coun Jim Andrews, cabinet spokesman for public health, said: “We are looking for a partnership approach to resolving alcohol issues in the town centre.
“Operating more responsibly can improve the profitability of individual businesses as well as the attractiveness of the town centre. It helps to promote Barnsley as a safe and vibrant place to go at night.”
Venues will be asked to sign up at the launch event. It will be an annual award so venues will have to reapply every year this ensures that standards continue to be met.
