Aims

The overall objective of Best Bar None is to provide an incentive for the operators of licensed premises to improve their standards of operation to the level of a commonly agreed national benchmark. This will work in conjunction with a transparent system of targeted enforcement activity. Clear and unequivocal standards of operation can be set; good operators are to identified and rewarded through Best Bar None.

The method of achieving these aims are listed below:

• To reduce the risk of alcohol related harm, disorder and crime

• To establish a benchmark of good practice in off and on trade licensed premises

• To identify and reward responsible operators and share their good practice with others

• To create consistency of standards throughout the UK with which to underpin the alcohol harm reduction strategy and the 2003 Licensing Act

• To improve the knowledge and skills of enforcement and regulation agencies, licensees and bar staff in order to deal effectively with issues relating to the management of licensed premises. To understand how this can reduce alcohol related crime and disorder, minimise the harmful effects of binge drinking, whilst improving the profitability of an individual business and attractiveness of a general area

• To raise public awareness of the benefits of choosing to use well run licensed premises, thereby increasing public reassurance and the promotion of social inclusion and diversity of use

• To create a positive vehicle for all sectors of the night economy to work together in partnership for the common good

• To improve the attractiveness and economic vitality of the wards area.

Partnership working

Best Bar None engages with all agencies that undertake enforcement or educational activity, in or connected, to licensed premises and the consumption of alcohol.

These partners include:

• Portsmouth Police

• Portsmouth City Council Licensing Unit

• Portsmouth City Council Trading Standards

• Hampshire Fire & Rescue

• Hampshire Ambulance Service

Best Bar None can act as a catalyst to ongoing dialogue between local police and partnership groups such as local partnerships, crime and reduction partnerships and Pub Watch. The standards outlined in Best Bar None also provide a common reference point for community police officers to work with their local pubs, clubs and bars in tackling crime and disorder issues on an ongoing basis.

Open the application form and see for yourself what you have to do to achieve Best Bar None status.