Carlisle & Eden Best Bar None

Scheme launches on 18 January 2008

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

The Best Bar None Scheme is an accreditation and awards scheme that is being introduced by the Carlisle and Eden Crime Reduction Partnership, focussing on safety and customer care. Carlisle and Eden District Council Licensing Authorities and Cumbria Police are working together with pubs, clubs and bars in the area to create a safer and more welcoming environment.

Driven by the partners within Carlisle and Eden Crime Reduction Partnership and the Late Night Entertainment industry, the awards seek to establish a standard of excellence within the pubs, clubs and bars in both Carlisle and Penrith. The aims of the scheme are:

• To reduce the incidents of crime and disorder associated with the consumption of alcohol
• To promote Carlisle and Penrith as a safe and professional environment in which to live, work, visit and socialise
• To identify and reward responsible operators
• To share good practice with others in order to raise standards

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• The scheme will be run annually for the Carlisle and Penrith pubs, clubs and bars. In the first year it will be for the central establishments only.
• To apply for accreditation, premises must complete a self-assessment application form.
• Members of the Best Bar None Team will make appointments to visit all premises that apply and assess them in the following categories – Best Pub, Best Club and Best Bar.
• All premises that reach the required standard will be accredited.
• There will be three category winners and one will be judged the overall ‘Best Bar None’ for each of the Carlisle and Penrith areas.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• The opportunity to take part in an accreditation scheme recognised as Best Practice by the Home Office.
• You can use the scheme to promote your venue to potential customers. Premises accredited under the scheme will receive a plaque and certificate for public display.
• Venues displaying the plaque will allow pub and club goers to recognise the premises with higher standards and so feel safer using them.
• Accredited premises will be able to include the Best Bar None logo on promotional advertising and stationery.
• You may become eligible for significant reductions in your business insurance premiums through a scheme run by BEDA.
• You will be undertaking a ‘health and safety’ and ‘crime and disorder’ health check that may assist in any future applications under the Licensing Act 2003.
• The chance to prove that you are serious about working in partnership with others towards the creation of a safer, more inclusive Night Time Economy in Carlisle.
• You can demonstrate how you run a safe and responsible pub, club or bar to high professional standards.
• Your premises will receive welcome publicity through the local media.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

• All eligible Carlisle City Centre pubs, clubs and bars will receive an application form, hand delivered in early January 2008, to the premises by a representative of the Best Bar None team.

• The launch of the scheme and workshop will be held at Carlisle Civic Centre at 2pm on Thursday 18^th January 2008. Advisors are available to assist with the completion of the application form. Full details will be included with the application forms.
• Complete the self-assessment application form and return it to the Licensing Team at Carlisle Civic Centre by the closing date 15^th February 2008.
• Following receipt of your application form, trained assessors from the multi-agency Carlisle and Eden Crime Reduction Partnership will carry out assessment visits by appointment.
• All successful applicants will then be placed before a panel of independent judges, which may include senior representatives from the Council, Media, Licensing Trade and Cumbria Police.
• Accredited premises and category winners will be invited to the Awards Ceremony in May 2008 to receive their awards.

If you have any queries, please contact the Best Bar None team on 01228 817523 or e-mail licensing@carlisle.gov.uk