PUBWATCH has given its full support to the resurrection of the Best Bar None scheme in Barnsley.
A special event for the re-launch was held on Tuesday at the Legends bar on Wellington Street, a venue run by Emma Palmer, chairman of the local Pubwatch.
Best Bar None is an accreditation scheme supported by the Home Office and the idea is to promote responsible management and running of alcohol licensed premises in the town centre.
It has been resurrected after the previous police-led scheme was axed and the purpose is to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder, and build a good relationship between the licensed trade, police and the council.
Emma Palmer, who won a Best Bar None award under the previous scheme in 2014, said its return had been welcomed by local Pubwatch members.
She told the Chronicle: “I just think Best Bar None makes everything a lot more cohesive. It can only be a positive for Barnsley and the night time economy.
“About 90 to 95 per cent of Pubwatch members say they will sign up.”
Emma said it is hoped it will grow each year and spread out to more venues such as restaurants and cafe bars, and be well established by the time new businesses join the town centre when the Glass Works scheme is complete.
She added: “The launch is to get people aware of what Best Bar None is and how it has changed. Last time you could fail and this time you can’t. All you can be given is guidance, help and support, which is a good thing.
“No-one should come away from Best Bar None feeling dejected as they have done in the past.”
Best Bar None accreditation means premises have to meet minimum standards and this will culminate with an award night in June 2018 with category winners for best pub, best late night venue, people’s choice, innovation and an overall winner.
Legends’ licensee Sam Cooper said it is a good idea.
He said: “I think town needs it and people need to work together so they are singing off the same hymn sheet. It brings everyone together which is what we want.”
Jerome Chambers, who manages the Funky Buddha bar on the corner of Market Hill and Shambles Street, said he will definitely be signing up and believes it will help bars at that end of town which tend to get custom earlier on in the evening.
“At our end of town we need to work with other bars,” he said. “We are the cocktail side of the bars in town and we need to work together to keep people in the earlier side of town.”
The Best Bar None national manager, former publican of 25 years Mick McDonnell, and staff from Greater Manchester Police, were at the launch where they spoke about how the scheme can help with reducing alcohol-related crime and disorder.
The idea is 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.
