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

An exciting search starts today (Tuesday 26th January) to find Sutton’s best pub, bar and nightclub. In the first such scheme of its kind in the borough, venues will need to meet a wide range of high standards of public safety and customer care. Organised by Sutton Police and Sutton Council, all pubs, bars and nightclubs across the borough are being invited to attend a launch event today (26th January) at the Holiday Inn, Sutton, when application forms and information packs will be available. Participating premises will then be encouraged to implement certain required standards to demonstrate that they are well run and well managed in four key areas:

• prevention of crime and disorder
• public safety
• prevention of public nuisance
• protection of children from harm.

A team of assessors will visit their premises and the winners will be announced at a glittering Oscar-style awards ceremony in May. The winners of the best town centre bar, best nightclub and best pub will receive a prestigious plaque for public display.

The Sutton scheme is part of the ‘Best Bar None Awards’, which were launched in the UK six years ago. The scheme has made a significant difference to reducing violence and boosting trade in major cities like Manchester. Nationally, Best Bar None schemes have accounted for:

• 30% drop in violence in areas where schemes operate
• 70% drop in violence inside accredited premises
• 27% increase in trade in first year in accredited premises.

The scheme in Sutton is supported by Police, Sutton Council and many partner organisations, such as London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service. Sponsors include Diageo, Wetherspoons, Revolutions and TCG - the owners of Ivory Lounge. The Sutton Guardian newspaper and Radio Jackie are also supporting the scheme. Supt Chas Bailey, of Sutton Police Station, said: “Best Bar None offers licensed premises a significant opportunity to demonstrate the hard work and commitment that their staff put into ensuring that their venue is a safe and friendly environment. It will also help generate a more positive image of the night time economy in Sutton Borough,” he said.

Cllr Graham Tope, Executive Member for Community Safety on Sutton Council, said: “Similar schemes across the country have led to licensed premises and surrounding areas becoming safer and more enjoyable places for people to visit. By making the borough’s towns and district centres safer, Best Bar None promises to be good for business too and enable the council, police and licensees to work even closer together for the good of their customers.“

For the Sutton Best Bar None website visit: www.suttonbestbarnone.co.uk