Best Bar None - the UK's national awards scheme for best practice in the licensed trade

Over 150 people attended a Parliamentary Reception at The House of Lords, Peers dining room to showcase Best Bar None (BBN) and all that has been achieved in the fight against alcohol related crime. More than half the attendees were Best Bar None Award winners from schemes around the country.

Statistics taken from a recent individual scheme evaluation show a drop of between 22 and 56% in alcohol related crime, NHS savings of up to £632,000 and a 28% increase in trade, with BBN schemes highlighted as one of the major contributors towards this.

Lord Redesdale, Chairman of BBN, kicked off the speeches saying how very important BBN is to the industry and the country and thanking the winners of the schemes for their hard work. He told the assembled audience,

“Tougher regulation will cost money in a time when the Government is trying to save money. Best Bar None achieves far more by working in a voluntary partnership with the industry and has achieved far more than new regulations could for almost nothing.”

Guest speaker - Home Office Minister for Crime Prevention James Brokenshire said: "The government is committed to tackling alcohol-related crime and disorder and supports any initiative that raises standards in licensed premises and encourages a safer environment for responsible people to enjoy a good night out.”

For the second year running Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands sponsored the reception and Bruce Ray, Director of External Affairs, spoke on behalf of the company commenting “We are all seen as one industry, damaging practice by one affects the whole industry, we should all be working together responsibly to move in the right direction. Irresponsible drinking remains a personal responsibility, the industry must allow individuals to enjoy our products by providing safe and responsible environments in which to do so.”

Durham City who won ‘The Most Innovative Scheme’ at last year’s BBN conference was represented by Carol Feenan, City Centre & BBN Co-ordinator/Nightsafe Initiative. Carol urged MPs to get behind the BII to help establish BBN as a national brand, the schemes can and do make a difference. Carol added “BBN is achieving some fantastic results which is a real testament to the diligence of licensees involved with the scheme.”