Last few days to get your entries in! 27 November 2007

Community safety partnership Safe Newcastle are reminding the bars and clubs of Newcastle that there are only a few days left until the closing deadline for Best Bar None 2008. The scheme, now in its third year, recognises the nightspots of Newcastle who are striving to reduce alcohol related crime and promote responsible drinking.

Stephen Savage, Head of Licensing said “Best Bar None is important to the city and the night-time economy as if we don’t have a safe city, then we don’t have a night-time economy. Best Bar None ensures that premises are safe, vetted by the authorities and people have confidence in socialising in our city.”

Launched by Safe Newcastle, the scheme aims to work with the police, the local authority and the licensed trade to create a vibrant and safe city. Seventy-four venues took part last year, with 67 achieving the Best Bar None seal of approval.

Entrants are judged on strict criteria. The assessment includes a range of issues including prevention of crime and disorder, drinks promotions, door policy, noise and underage drinking. Backers of the initiative include Newcastle Pubwatch, represented by their Chairman David Rawlinson, Metro Radio who help promote the event and organise a charity auction on behalf of their charity Just For Kids, and whose Managing Director Sally Aitchison is on the judging committee, and Northumbria Police.

Chief Inspector Bob Ryan from Northumbria Police said “The ultimate aim of Best Bar None is to offer and maintain a high, quality, safe enjoyable drinking experiences in Newcastle for those who live, visit and work in the area. Certainly what the police are looking for, as the local authority are as well, is to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder in the city centre, and as a result getting premises to be better and better, which is what Best Bar None does. It means that the city centre is a safer place for everyone to visit.”

Last year’s scheme saw Shearer’s Bar scoop the coveted Best Bar None Overall Winner and Gold Award in the bar category. Chris Reed, Manager of Shearer’s said “Winning the Best Bar None award has been great for staff morale and a reward for all their hard work. We all know it is a nationally recognised scheme, well publicised, and we believe that it gives visitors to the area comfort in the knowledge that they are visiting accredited bars where the standards of security and health and safety will be high. The amount of publicity we received after winning was the award was fantastic and it certainly resulted in an increase in trade, especially in our restaurant area.”

Chair of Safe Newcastle, Councillor Gareth Cooper said “The scheme shows the good partnership between the licensed industry and the relevant authorities. Having the backing of the bar owners and managers is key to the success of the scheme. By working together we can keep Newcastle as a world-class destination.”

Best Bar None is a Home Office backed scheme, which has been rolled out across 90 local authorities. Newcastle was the first city in the North East to launch Best Bar None and is one of the top performing schemes nationally.

Now in its third year, Best Bar None will culminate in a black tie event next Spring where awards will be given for best pub, best club and best bar as well as Metro Radio listeners’ awards and the overall title of Best Bar None 2008.