Twenty five bars from the Best Bar None scheme in Bolton were awarded for their efforts at an award ceremony last night.
Best Bar None is a Home Office backed initiative that sees the police, local authorities and bar and club owners work together to reduce alcohol-related harm. Initially launched in Manchester in 2003, over 70 schemes now operate across the UK, focussing on improving professionalism and standards of training, as well as creating new ways to maximise safety and welfare.
Held at the Grosvenor Casino in Bolton, the awards were presented by National Best Bar None co-ordinator Mick McDonnell alongside representatives from Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council.
To achieve the accreditation, bars from across Bolton had to show they were committed to promoting a responsible attitude to a safe and sensible night out. Workshops have also been held across the area to support the licensees as well as guiding and advising them on best practise and legal requirements.
District Superintendent Rick Jackson, GMP said: “I am extremely proud of the work being done by a number of licensed premises both in Bolton and Westhoughton to make our night time economy safer and more enjoyable for all.
“The Bolton scheme has seen some real success since its initial launch two years ago. They have worked tirelessly to improve our night time economy and it was this work that assisted in reducing violence within licensed premises by 33% during the scheme’s first year. The Bolton scheme also won the national Best Bar None Award of Best New Scheme 2017 which is again a credit to the work being done in Bolton.
“This year has seen Westhoughton launch their Best Bar None Scheme and I am pleased that six of the Westhoughton premises are working to this higher standard. I congratulate the premises from both Westhoughton and Bolton on their achievements”
Councillor Anna-Marie Watters, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Services said: “We are delighted that bars in Bolton are leading the way in making the town a safer place to go out at night. Bars and clubs across the area have been working hard with the police and the council to improve their standards and training to ensure people can enjoy a fun and safe night out. As I am also a councillor for Westhoughton South, I am so pleased to see the launch of the scheme in Westhoughton with 6 bars from the area receiving the accreditation and look forward to its thriving future as part of the awards.”
Mick McDonnell, National Co-ordinator for Best Bar None said “It’s fantastic to see the BBN scheme thriving in Bolton since its initial launch two years ago. The event was a great way to celebrate the efforts and achievements the premises have put in over the last 12 months, and we only hope this success will continue long into the future with further schemes planned across Greater Manchester.”
Following on from the success in Bolton, the scheme was launched in Leigh on Wednesday 26 September and Bury are also looking to launch in the near future.