Best Bar None launch 11 September 2007

A major scheme to create a safer city and boost the night time economy in Newcastle is launched today by community safety partnership, Safe Newcastle and supported by Metro Radio. The Best Bar None scheme awards and recognises the nightspots of Newcastle who are genuinely striving to reduce alcohol related crime and promote responsible drinking.

Councillor Gareth Cooper, Chair of Safe Newcastle said ‘The purpose of Best Bar None is ultimately to reduce the risk of alcohol related incidents, disorder and crime. It also allows the licensed trade to play their part in creating a safe and vibrant city by signing up to a benchmark of good practice.”

Now in its third year, the scheme works in partnership with the licensed trade, the local authority and the police to ensure a safe environment for pub-goers to socialise in. Seventy-four venues took part last year with 67 gaining the Best Bar None seal of approval.

Stephen Savage, head of Licensing for Newcastle City Council said “The City Council and the Licensing Authority fully endorse the Best Bar None scheme. It allows us to work in an effective partnership with the licensed trade whilst importantly at the same time, award and recognise the responsible operators who have embraced the ethos of Best Bar None.

“The leisure economy, which includes all licensed premises which operate in both the daytime and night-time economies, is recognised by the City Council and the Licensing Authority as very important for the development of Newcastle. We also recognise the pressures from many sources that the licensed trade continues to face and we look forward to the continued partnership working that the Best Bar None scheme represents.”

Venues entering the scheme are assessed on well they manage a range of issues including prevention of crime and disorder, drinks promotion door policy, noise and underage drinking. Premises which are successful will then have the opportunity of competing for the titles of best pub, best club, best bar and best overall winner at a black-tie awards ceremony in March.

Chief Inspector Bob Ryan of Northumbria Police added “The scheme is important to Newcastle as it promotes responsible management and operation of alcohol-licensed premises with the ultimate aim of ensuring a high quality, safe and enjoyable drinking experience in the city. We have had a great response from the licensed trade and we are confident that the 2008 scheme will be a huge success’.

Last year’s scheme saw Shearer’s Bar scoop the coveted prize of Best Bar None Overall Winner and Best Bar. Chris Reed, Shearer’s Bar Manager added “I’m thrilled that we have been recognised so publicly, not once but twice! Considering the number of top bars and nightspots in the city, it’s no mean feat to win these awards. We have all worked hard in recent times to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all of our customers – whether that be local sports fans or visitors to the city.”

Best Bar None is Home Office backed national scheme. It is currently being rolled out across 90 local authorities. Newcastle was the first to launch the scheme in the North East three years and is one of the top performing schemes nationally.

Safe Newcastle’s scheme has been gaining momentum since it was first launched in 2006. Backers of the intiaitive include key players in the licensed trade such as Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police, Newcastle Pubwatch, Security Industry Authority, Metro Radio, Newcastle Licensing Forum, NGI, Scottish and Newcastle and Government Office North East. Attending the launch will also be representatives from Gateshead Council and Durham Constabulary who are keen to extend the scheme to their areas.

Today’s launch takes place at Shearer’s Bar, St James Park. Key speakers included Cllr Cooper, Stephen Savage, head of licensing, Chief Inspector Bob Ryan, David Rawlinson, Chairman of Pubwatch and Sally Aitchinson, MD of Metro Radio. It is expected that most of the city’s licensees will attend.