FOURTEEN licensed venues in Stirling have signed up and are preparing for assessment in order to obtain official accreditation as member of the Best Bar None Scotland scheme.

They will demonstrate their venues meet a level of standard that assure members of the public they will be able to enjoy a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

Arlene Campbell, National Best Bar None Scotland coordinator, said: “Best Bar None has become recognised for venues delivering high standards in the licensed trade focusing on social responsibility and duty of care in support of the licensing objectives. 

“The venues voluntarily participate and I’d like to commend all 14 of the Stirling and Dunblane venues for their commitment to the scheme and it is great to see Best Bar None becoming re-established in this area in support of the local community and day and night time economy.”

Best Bar None local co-ordinator for Stirling, PC Stewart Denny, said: “I am delighted with the interest that has been shown by Stirling venues and Best Bar None is great opportunity for premises and partner agencies in the Stirling area to work together in order to maintain safe and welcoming licensed venues.

"The process is very straightforward and Police Scotland and council licensing staff are available to assist participants at all stages.

“I would encourage all licensed premises in Stirling to find out about the scheme.

"It is our ambition to ensure that the day and night time economy of the town is enhanced and supported by BBN by ensuring venues provide, and customers receive the very best quality experience."

Best Bar None is a unique National Award Scheme aimed at raising standards and rewarding licensed premises who undertake positive management practices in support of a safe night out.

It was piloted in Glasgow in 2005 and found to improve standards in the night time economy, with premises now participating in 58 towns and cities across Scotland.

Best Bar None recognises venues who are offering a quality experience focusing on safety and customer care.

Commenting on the new scheme, Police Scotland’s Chief Inspector Ratcliff, said: “Accreditation to the new scheme in Stirling recognises the best examples of Best Bar None venues which focus on public safety and customer care, together with the key principles of prevention of public nuisance, protecting and improving public health and the protection of children from harm.

“Anyone looking for a good, safe night out in Stirling should look out for a Best Bar None venue knowing it has been through a rigorous accreditation process and demonstrated high standards across a range of important criteria.”

The purpose of the Best Bar None Scheme is to:

-Reduce alcohol related crime

-Promote social responsibility and duty of care

-Improves knowledge and skills to assist in responsible management

-Promotes Partnership working to identify good practice and areas for improvement

-Supports due diligence 

-Awards both locally and nationally to reward success

-Assist in delivering improved national standards which can improve the commercial viability and attractiveness of a venue and locality

Licensed premises can apply to join the Best Bar None scheme, where they are assessed by trained, impartial assessors and applicants are scored according to national guidelines.

Venues are awarded either a gold, silver or bronze award.

The Best Bar None scheme is sponsored by Diageo, Molson Coors, Heineken, Tennents and Maxxium and Chivas Brothers and is an integral part of the Safer Areas Initiatives throughout Scotland.

For venues interested in obtaining further information about Best Bar None, please contact PC Stewart Denny at Scottish Business Resilience Centre, 01786 447441.