Assessment visit

The purpose of the Assessment Visit is to undertake an audit of the managements systems and processes that are in place. This is a collaborative process between the Assessors and the licensee/manager.

The Assessors are member of organisations such as the Police, Fire Service, PCC Trading Standards, PCC Licensing department, Ambulance Service and other relevant organisations. Each visit will be carried out by two people from different organisations and should be seen as a positive and educational experience for both the Assessors and the licensee/manager. This is best done at a time when a bar is not full of customers.

Appointments to see a licensee and assess the application form should be made during normal business hours (where possible). Excluding lunch times in some cases, this will help the licensee as it should be at a quieter trading time. In making an appointment it is not necessary to see the premises working at full tilt, nor to try and catch them out by visiting at 2 o'clock in the morning.

The Best Bar None visit is an assessment/inspection visit and is NOT an enforcement visit. The structure of the visit should follow the step by step proves outlined in the scoring booklet, talking to the licensee, staff member(s) and seeking out the evidence as directed by the booklet.

The Assessors receive national standard training in order that a common approach is maintained across all the premises that have applied.The most important aspect of the Assessment Visit is that it is to ensure that best practice across the licensing trade is identified and passed on to all premises.

When the visits have been carried out and the Scoring Booklet completed the assessors will count the evidence in Essential, Desired and Bonus categories. The total achieved will assist in identifying the winners and runners-up.