About Best Bar None Scotland

There are lots of great reasons to sign up to take part in Best Bar None in Scotland.

Help and support – We’ll give you advice on ways to make your business safer, improve standards and be more sustainable – and give guidance on the latest policies and legal requirements.

Training – We’ll advise you on opportunities for your staff to access formal training in issues such as drug awareness, conflict management, vulnerable people and duty of care, social media and counter terrorism.

Assessment – Taking part in Best Bar None offers you an annual assessment of your venue. (We base this on Licensing Scotland objectives). The assessment can help your day-to-day practices, in turn making you more attractive to customers (boosting your profitability).

Awards – Depending on your progress in the scheme, you’ll be given a bronze, silver or gold award – which you can display on your premises. We’ll also invite you to a local awards ceremony to share your success (and get extra attention for your business). Leading businesses are also invited to take part in our national awards scheme. Normally awards take place in the spring of each year.

Extra recognition – In addition, we publicise the success of venues through our website, social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) and by helping Best Bar None venues get press coverage in the local and national press.

Insurance savings – Accredited premises can also make savings on insurance of between 10 and 20 per cent.

Partnerships – Taking part in Best Bar None will bring you into contact with a range of public and private sector partners to help you and your business.

Read our factsheet on the four simple steps to achievement and award status

When can I apply to take part in Best Bar None Scotland? You can apply to take part in Best Bar None Scotland at any time in the year. Generally, assessments take place in the summer/autumn and award ceremonies are usually held at the start of the year. Local co-ordinators will give you more details on how you can work to the different standards.

Get in touch with your local co-ordinator or our national development officer to get involved

Best Bar None was developed by Greater Manchester Police in 2003 as a response to increased violence and anti-social behaviour in and around licensed premises. It aimed to reward positive work within the licensed trade - improving standards and addressing local issues and, ultimately, keeping people safe. The scheme was adopted in Scotland in 2005, initially in Glasgow, and is currently administered by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (based in Linlithgow). It’s now operational in more than 50 towns and cities across Scotland.

Best Bar None recognises venues offering a quality experience - focusing on safety and customer care. It aims to:

promote social responsibility and a duty of care

improve knowledge and skills to assist in responsible management

reduce alcohol-related crime by investing in premises’ policies and procedures

promote partnership working to identify good practice and areas for improvement

supports due diligence, record-keeping and training

gives awards, locally and nationally, to reward success

Operating more responsibly can improve the commercial viability and attractiveness of a venue and local area.

Get in touch with us to find out more how you can get involved

You can apply to take part in Best Bar None at any time in the year. Generally, assessments take place in the summer/autumn and award ceremonies are usually held at the start of the year. Local co-ordinators will give you more details on how you can work to the different standards.

Get in touch with your local co-ordinator or our national development officer to get involved.