CALLING CAMDEN’S BEST BARS AND PUBS 2007

23 November 2006

Pubs, bars and clubs in Camden have the chance to be voted best in the borough by entering an awards scheme that praises well-run premises.

Licensees across the London Borough of Camden can enter the Best Bar None 2007 awards, which aim to help cut alcohol-related crime and disorder by recognising those places that are run professionally and safely. The independently accredited awards scheme was launched at an event for licensees held at the White Hart pub in Drury Lane, Covent Garden, yesterday (22 November 2006).

Camden Council set up the scheme with the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Transport for London, the British Institute of Innkeeping and the Bar Entertainment and Dance Association. They hope this will help make Camden a safer and more attractive place in which to live, work, and visit, as responsible management can help reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder.

Camden’s Best Bar None awards have three categories: Best Bar, Best Pub and Best Nightclub, and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in June 2007.

The Best Bar None scheme was first piloted in the borough in 2006 in the Camden Town and Seven Dials (Covent Garden) areas, which have the highest concentration of pubs, bars and restaurants. The White Hart (Drury Lane, Covent Garden, WC2) was the winner in the bars category and The Newton Arms (Newton Street, London, WC2) won in the pubs category.

Cllr Don Williams, Chair of Camden Council’s Licensing Committee, said:

“Local people, landlords and customers can all benefit from the Best Bar None awards scheme. Most licensees in the borough are responsible and manage their premises very well, and we want to congratulate those who set a good example for others with their high standards. Hopefully the local community and visitors will also see that the council, police and landlords are concerned about tackling alcohol related problems and this scheme will encourage people to enjoy socialising safely in the borough.”

Cllr Ben Rawlings, Camden Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety, said:

“As well as keeping Camden safe through enforcement and tackling those committing crime and causing problems, we also need to tackle the causes of these problems – and alcohol is one of the main causes of disorder and antisocial behaviour. Best Bar None is one way in which we can positively build a safer community by working with licensees to improve safety in and around pubs and clubs, which are an important part of Camden’s character and at the heart of our communities.”

Superintendent Martin Richards, Metropolitan Police, said:

“We had a good response to the Best Bar None pilot and I look forward to even more premises being part of this worthwhile scheme. The safety of the public whilst in these establishments is paramount and anything that can be done to promote well-run premises is welcome. I thank the licensees that are entering into the process who demonstrate a willingness to be assessed and who I hope see the opportunities and benefits of Best Bar None.”

Licensees can get an application pack by ringing 020 7974 2521 or emailing vien.lieu@camden.gov.uk. The closing date for applications is 5 February 2007 and entry is free.

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