Raising the Bar

(Date of issue: Tuesday 10th February 2009)

Which will be the Best Pub or Club Bar None in Carlisle, Penrith and Appleby 2009?

The accreditation and awards scheme focusing on safety and customer care is set to expand this year, looking to find the best pub, club or bar in Carlisle, Penrith and Appleby.

The Best Bar None Scheme was introduced by the Carlisle and Eden Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), Carlisle City Council and Eden District Council Licensing Officers working in partnership with the Licensed Trade in 2008. The awards look to establish a standard of excellence within the pubs, clubs and bars in both districts.

The aims of the scheme are:

• To reduce the incidents of crime and disorder associated with the consumption of alcohol
• To promote Carlisle, Penrith and Appleby as safe and professional environments in which to live, work, visit and socialise
• To identify and reward responsible licensed premises
• To share good practice with other in order to raise standards.

The Turf Tavern in Carlisle is the first licensed premises in the city to sign up for Best Bar None Awards 2009, licensee Sarah Aldred said:

‘’The expansion of Best Bar None awards this year to include all of Carlisle means that for the first time we have been able to enter the scheme. This gives us a chance to gain some recognition for what we do to ensure the public are safe and properly looked after. It’s a way of showing we take responsibility for our establishments in raising standards and good practice. It is a positive step to be involved with this initiative."

This is the second year of the CDRP/ Cumbria Constabulary sponsored event, CDRP Chairman Mary Robinson said:

"We are delighted that this year we are able to open up the Best Bar None scheme to allow even more establishments to enter. By working with late night entertainment trade throughout Carlisle, Penrith and Appleby we hope to significantly raise standards, promote good practice and highlight the good work of responsible licensees."

All pubs, clubs and bars in Carlisle, Penrith and Appleby will receive a self-assessment application form, which can be returned to their local authority's Best Bar None Team. An appointment can then be made for their premises to be visited by the scheme's assessors. If the visit is successful, they will be entered into one of the following award categories:

• Best Pub
• Best Club
• Best Bar.

A distinguished panel of judges made up of senior representatives from local Councils, Media, National Licensing Trade and Cumbria Police will determine the winners, who will be invited to an awards ceremony later this year.

Licensed premises that are accredited as part of the Best Bar None Scheme will be invited to an Award Ceremony to receive a plaque and certificate for public display and may become eligible for significant reductions in business insurance premiums through a scheme run by the BEDA.

For more information about the Best Bar None Scheme contact Carlisle City Council’s Licensing Department on tel: (01228) 817523 or email: licensing@carlisle.gov.uk