A MAJOR new scheme to improve the night-time experience for city residents and help crack down on alcohol-related crime in the heart of Worcester has been revealed.
Worcester BID chiefs have taken the wraps off the Best Bar None scheme which looks at how licensed venues are managed with the aim to reduce alcohol-related crime and improve conditions for local businesses.
The national accreditation scheme, which has been supported by the Home Office and the drinks industry, is aimed at promoting responsible management and operation of alcohol-licensed premises.
It was piloted in Manchester 15 years ago and found to improve overall standards in the night-time economy. It has now been adopted by more than 75 towns and cities with Worcester being the latest to join.
Pubs and bars will undergo an assessment period where they are judged against criteria and then given suggestions on how to improve or given the accreditation.
Businesses will be examined on their policies and procedures for selling alcohol, social responsibility, the protection of children and prevention of public nuisance.
An awards night to celebrate individual success of businesses will also be held as part of the scheme.
Best Bar None ensures businesses and their staff understand the policies and the procedures and why they are in place while also improving public image, staff and customer safety and relationships with police and local authorities.
The project is free to all businesses who are members of Worcester BID or the CityNet scheme and was set to be formally launched with a presentation to local businesses at The Swan and Drummonds on New Street last night (Tuesday).
Worcester BID chief executive Phoebe Dawson, said: “It is an incredibly exciting project which will raise the standards of our city as a night-time destination while also providing tremendous value to our businesses.
“Being accredited for Best Bar Nine is proven to increase footfall and turnover and safety for staff and customers. The scheme is proven to reduce crime and disorder, particularly alcohol related crime in the night-time economy.
“Above all it creates a community between the licensed trade along with agencies working to support them such as the police and the local council and improves the image of the city as a destination which in turn increases footfall and the possibility of investment,” she added.
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