News

Pubs helping to drive down crime

By Stephen Lloyd
January 23, 2012

EIGHT Fleet pubs have been praised for joining a crime-busting initiative to help make the town centre a safer place.

Cellar Bar, The Emporium, The Links, The Oatsheaf, The Prince Arthur, The Prince of Wales, Propaganda and Vita Bar have all achieved accreditation in the national Best Bar None scheme.

Introduced by Greater Manchester Police in 2002, the initiative rewards venues that ensure customer safety and prevent crime, public nuisance and the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

The scheme helps reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder, establishes a benchmark of good practice in premises and identifies and recognises responsible operators. It also helps create a consistent standard in licensed premises across the country and raises public awareness of the benefits of choosing well-run premises.

The pubs were assessed on aspects of their business that have an impact on the safety, comfort and enjoyment of their customers, including security, public safety, first aid, event control, fire safety, prevention of public nuisance, community engagement and the protection of children from harm.

There are a number of advantages to licensees who join the scheme. It identifies and rewards responsible operators, is a health and safety and crime and disorder check that may assist in future applications under the Licensing Act 2003 and could mean significant reductions in licensed premises business insurance premiums.

Joining the scheme also creates positive publicity, improves the public perception of a town and raises public awareness of the benefits of choosing to visit a well-run pub.

Pubs that are part of the scheme have also been shown to have higher standards of customer care and experience lower levels of crime and disorder.

Richard Denham, Safer Hart partnership officer, has been the lead on the project.

He said: “The aim of Best Bar None is to identify licensed venues that have demonstrated they have established responsible and innovative policies focused on customer care and safety. Venues that achieve accreditation are committed to working together with the police, council and other regulatory bodies to provide fun, safe and enjoyable venues.

“The eight establishments which have been accredited have demonstrated great commitment throughout the process to ensure that they have reached the national standard.

“By working together in the future, any potential issues can be addressed when they first arise, ensuring this high standard continues.

“This project demonstrates the continued commitment of all involved to ensuring a night out in Fleet is a safe and pleasant prospect.”

Hart District Council is hosting its first Best Bar None awards ceremony on January 30 when certificates will be presented to the successful pubs.They will be officially certified as a Best Bar None venue and can advertise as such.

Caroline Ryan, Hart’s community safety and licensing manager, said the scheme promotes Fleet as a safe and professional environment in which to live, work and socialise.

She added: “Best Bar None is a nationally recognised and positive scheme that offers benefits to the local authority, partners, licensees and patrons, and is an asset to Hart.”

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Great stuff, good to see the pubs working well with the police and the council and dealing with as many issues as they can. You can't stop drunk people fighting but you can help make it as hard for them as possible to do it and get away with it.