A Wrexham night-life scheme designed to keep staff and customers safe – and celebrate excellence in the industry – has won a national award.
Wrexham Best Bar None was named the most innovative scheme of 2018 at the National Best Bar None Awards, which took place at the House of Lords earlier this week.
So what’s the deal?
Best Bar None is a national scheme supported by the Home Office and the drinks industry.
It’s mostly aimed at promoting the responsible management of clubs, pubs and other alcohol-licensed premises – to help keep towns and cities safe for both staff and people enjoying a night out.
It’s been adopted by 75 towns and cities across the UK and is now being used in other countries too.
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The aim is to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder by building stronger links between the licensed trade, police and local councils – so they can share knowledge, ideas and good practice.
Businesses have to meet minimum standards to be recognised by the scheme, including a ‘rigorous’ audit of over 120 criteria – covering everything from responsible management to customer care.
In Wrexham we celebrate the achievements of local premises at an awards night every autumn.
What’s so innovative about the Wrexham scheme?
The award for ‘Most Innovative Scheme’ is given to the project with the most creative approach to making a difference in their local area.
There were six other schemes shortlisted in England and Wales, and Wrexham was awarded top spot because of the wide range of initiatives to improve safety – including awareness training for licensees and door staff on how to spot and help customers who might be vulnerable, and approaches to counter terrorism.
Judges gave Wrexham particular praise for the strong partnership between the council, North Wales Police, North Wales Fire Service, licensees and security – working together to deliver results with very limited resources.
Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council said:“It is great to see that of the 75 towns and cities in the UK who have adopted the Best Bar None scheme, Wrexham has been recognised as “Best Bar None Most Innovative Scheme 2018.
“This really is fantastic news for us. What this highlights is the hard work, dedication and support that exists across our night time economy by partners to ensure Wrexham is a safe place for people wanting to enjoy a night out.“
Chief Inspector Mark Williams said; “ I am really pleased to hear that the Wrexham Best Bar None Scheme has been recognised for its innovative approach. The partnership between the licencing authorities, the emergency services and the licensees in Wrexham has gone from strength to strength over the years. A safe and welcoming town centre benefits all and we will continue to work together to ensure we continue to achieve our objectives.”
If you run a licenced premises and want to know more about the Wrexham Best Bar None scheme, contact communitysafety@wrexham.gov.uk
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