Background
BBN was developed by Greater Manchester Police in 2003 as a response to increased violence and anti-social behaviour in and around Licensed Premises. The ethos being to reward the positive work within the Licensing Community, improve standards, whilst addressing local issues, ultimately keeping people safe.
Adopted in Scotland in 2005 and administered by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre, Best Bar None (BBN) Scotland is an initiative which aims to create and promote a vibrant day and night time economy in Scotland through accrediting pubs, bars, nightclubs and specialist entertainment venues which provide improved standards of safety for their customers and seek to develop their staff, driving change and social responsibility in the Licensed Community.
Supported by Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and the Scottish Government, the scheme focuses on safety and customer care. It gives each licensed venue the opportunity to prove it meets a standard of operation set in consultation with key partners. It rewards safe and well managed licensed venues with the issue of a display plaque which can be used to promote the venue.
The overall aim of the initiative is for partner agencies to work together with licensed premises to create a safer and more welcoming social economy, to the benefit of the community, business and partners.
BBN follows the 5 high level objectives set out in the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. During annual assessments, licensees have to evidence their standards in each of the following areas:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Securing public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
- Protecting and improving public health
- The protection of children from harm
The scheme brings with it a number of benefits to on trade venues including demonstrating how seriously they take customer safety, care, and welfare and service quality. It also helps to enhance working relationships with key agencies such as Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Local Authorities.
The focus for BBN is for consumers to have the ability to choose a safe location where the venues demonstrate a commitment to reducing violence and antisocial behavior, ultimately making Scotland a safer place to live and visit.
Local Priorities
BBN has a local coordinator in each area, where the scheme operates. This coordinator is fundamental and key to the success of the Scheme.
The Local coordinator has knowledge of the local priorities and drives forward the scheme. The coordinator can be a representative from Community Safety Services, BID, Council, Police Scotland or other relevant Partner Agency. The coordinator is often supported locally by ADP, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and liaises with the local Licensing Forum, LSO, Pubwatch, Nightzone, SLTA representative.
Scottish Business Resilience Centre
BBN Scotland is nationally administered by a seconded Police Sergeant at the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) as the National Best Bar None Lead.
Each local scheme has designated Local coordinators who are nominated through either the local authority, business improvement district and police personnel.