Best Bar None scheme ...let's order another

WE'LL drink to that . . . the Best Bar None scheme is to return

A SCHEME to keep people safe while they are enjoying a night out is coming back to Oldham.

Greater Manchester Police relaunched the scheme for bars and nightclubs across the region this week as they seek to reduce alcohol-related crime and build a positive relationship between licensed trade, police and local authorities.

After starting in Manchester in 2003 more than 100 towns and cities across the country have signed up to focus on improving professionalism and standards of training, coming up with approaches to safety, welfare and concern for the vulnerable.

Harmful

Best Bar None also looks to reduce the harmful effects of binge drinking, improve knowledge and skills of enforcement and regulation agencies, licensees and bar staff to help them responsibly manage licensed premises.

A total of 17 businesses in Bolton have expressed interest in signing up so far and in the coming months GMP will roll out the initiative in Bury, Salford, Tameside and Rochdale with Oldham and the rest of Greater Manchester to follow shortly.

Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd, Best Bar None UK's National Co-Ordinator Mick McDonnell, licensees from across Greater Manchester, security companies and taxi firms attended The Venue in Bolton on Tuesday as they launched the scheme.

Mr Lloyd said: "We all want our town and city centres to be safe places where people can enjoy a night out. The Best Bar None scheme brings police and local authorities together with local businesses and the community to work towards that ambition.

"It's great to see that businesses have already started to embrace the scheme, setting the bar for the rest of Greater Manchester and sending a message that, together, we are committed to building a vibrant, safe nightlife to be proud of."

Mr McDonnell added: "Best Bar None has evolved into a national award scheme that enables all organisations that work in the evening and night-time economy, the police, the council, and industry to work together in partnership, to create a safer more vibrant place to go at night."