Best Bar None - National UK Awards Scheme

Best Bar None schemes are actively reducing the amount of paperwork associated with entering their schemes in a bid to make the schemes meet the needs to time strapped licensees.

Some schemes now simply ask for an expression of interest via email or telephone and the bulk of the application and assessment take place at the same time during a personal visit from a BBN assessor. Others ask for a short form followed by a longer form once interest has been gained.

Ann Hyland, Birmingham Best Bar None, said, “This is our first year and we wanted to make sure that as many premises entered as possible. We spent time talking to other schemes about the application process and many said that they were moving away from longer application forms to encourage licensees to get involved. We decided not to launch our scheme with a long form but simply asked interested venues to complete a short expression of interest form. Almost 20% of venues in Birmingham completed this form.”

John McNamara, BBN Chief Executive said, “Schemes are evolving their processes every year and are sharing their best practice and learnings with new schemes so that, as a whole BBN, can progress in a way that meet the needs of the individual communities. We have always said that BBN is a local initiative and that it is important that it is effective locally.

“Licensees often feel that they are disappearing under official forms and red tape; BBN should not be another chore but a positive business move. Schemes who are asking shorter forms or expressions of interest are recognising that issue for licensees and making their scheme more accessible.”

15 July 2008