Member Article

Wearside publicans set the bar

A national awards scheme aimed at promoting responsible management and a safe and welcoming environment in licensed premises is to be launched in Sunderland City Centre. The Best Bar None awards are a UK-wide scheme, which is already running in more than 60 towns and cities.

And now Sunderland City Centre Management – in partnership with the Police and City Council - is to bring the Best Bar None awards to Wearside for the first time – offering the city’s licensed operations the opportunity to be rewarded for running their pubs, bars and clubs responsibly.

The Best Bar None awards – which are backed by the Home Office – were launched in 2003 and have been adopted nationwide including by Durham and Newcastle. Sunderland City Centre Manager Louise Hardy explains why she believes hosting the awards is a great step for Sunderland: “Behind the Best Bar None awards is the aim of promoting safe and welcoming environments in pubs, bars and clubs and to reward the premises which are responsibly managed.”

All licensed premises within the city centre boundaries will be eligible to enter and will be assessed by an independent panel which will include representatives from the Police and Fire Brigade, and the winners will be rewarded at a black tie dinner in March 2009.

The City Centre Management is planning to launch the scheme at a dinner in September, which will set the scene for the award ceremony itself.“We really hope the licensing trade will get this behind these awards as it’s a real opportunity for bars, clubs and pubs in the city centre to highlight their good practice,” said Louise.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .