CAMDEN LICENSEES CAN BE BEST BAR NONE

21 March 2006

Pubs, bars and clubs in Camden can now enter a new awards scheme that praises well-run premises, and aims to take a further step towards cutting alcohol-related crime and disorder.

Launched last night (20 March) at Camden Town Hall, the Best Bar None award is an independent accreditation scheme for pubs, bars and nightclubs that recognises landlords that run their premises professionally and safely. It is being piloted in the Camden Town and Seven Dials (Covent Garden) areas, which have the highest concentration of pubs, bars and restaurants.

Camden Council has set the scheme up in partnership with the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade, and will work closely with local licensed businesses. Best Bar None aims to help reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder and make Camden a safer and more attractive place in which to live, work, visit and socialise.

Customers, landlords and local people will all benefit from ‘Best Bar None’. Successful venues will be able to show their clientele that they are serious about customer care and that they are concerned about the safety of drinkers and the neighbouring community. Plus they can promote the fact that they run their business to high standards and set a good example for less well-run establishments. The scheme also aims to show residents how landlords and the local authorities are working together to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder in their area. Research has found1 that a significant proportion of crime was directly or indirectly related to the minority of poorly managed licensed premises.

Cllr John Thane, Executive Member for Environment, Camden Council said:

“We want residents to enjoy living here and for everyone visiting the borough’s pubs, bars and restaurants to have a safe and enjoyable evening out. The Best Bar None scheme gives recognition to landlords who run their bar or pub responsibly. It will help to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder and reassure members of the public, making them more confident about coming to these premises. Camden Council has found that working with licensees and giving them guidance and support when they need it is the most effective way of making sure that they stay within the law. Letting the public know that areas around licensed premises are safer also helps to increase confidence and future economic growth in the borough.”

Superintendent Richards, Metropolitan Police said:

"I welcome anything that can be done to reduce alcohol-related disorder. More than half of violent crime is alcohol-related and many Camden residents consider such anti-social behaviour a concern. We have shown our commitment to reducing such disorder by our regular enforcement activities, increasing our licensing staff, formation of club and pub watch and intelligence-led tasking. I hope licensed premises come on board with this scheme, to assist us to make Camden safer for people to come to and have fun."

Pubs, bars and clubs entering ‘Best Bar None’ will be assessed on aspects such as: security measures; door policy; sensible drinking policies; preventing the use or supply of drugs; crime prevention measures; use of glass; fire detection and emergency escape measures; staff training; noise control; ‘dispersal’ policy for customers leaving the premises; and making sure Under 18s do not buy or drink alcohol from the premises. The categories reflect the council’s licensing policies of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, preventing public nuisance and protecting children from harm.

Licensees can get an application pack by ringing 020 7974 2521 or emailing vien.lieu@camden.gov.uk. The closing date for applications is Monday 10 April 2006 and entry is free for the pilot scheme.

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