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

A successful scheme to promote responsible drinking is to be launched in a fourth County Durham town.

Best Bar None, which already operates in Durham, Chester-le-Street and Consett is to begin in Bishop Auckland. 

The initiative aims to reduce the risk of alcohol-related crime and disorder and promote a safer, more vibrant night-time environment in participating towns. 

The Bishop Auckland scheme will be launched tomorrow (Thursday, 3 February), when licensees from all four areas will come together at the Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham for a Bonanza Launch for all of the county’s Best Bar None schemes for 2011. 

The event will give managers and staff from 128 venues the chance to meet up with representatives from Durham County Council, the police and other agencies and swap tips on best practice.

Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Neil Foster, the authority’s Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development and Chief Constable Jon Stoddart will address the audience.

Carol Feenan, Durham County Council Best Bar None manager, said: “The Best Bar None scheme has had some fantastic results in Durham, Chester-le-Street and Consett, where licensees have been extremely supportive. 

“We’re now looking forward to working with businesses in Bishop Auckland, where I’m sure we can be equally successful.”

Since the launch of Best Bar None three years ago, Durham has seen an 87 per cent drop in violent crime and a 75 per cent accumulative increase in trade.

In Consett, the scheme has seen a 31 per cent reduction in violent crime in its first year, while Durham Constabulary has reported a 75 per cent increase in its detection rate.

And in Chester-le-Street, there has been a 38 per cent fall in violent crime and a 60 per cent increase in detection rates since the launch of Best Bar None just nine months ago.

There are currently 45 premises in Durham signed up to the scheme, and 14 in both Consett and Chester-le-Street.