Best Bar None Chairman calls for more local authorities to adopt a scheme
02-Jun-2008
Lord Redesdale, the chairman of Best Bar None, the national award scheme for licensed premises, has shown his commitment to the scheme by calling for more local authorities to grab the nettle and launch schemes in their towns and cities to help combat binge drinking and to support the licensed retail sector at a difficult time.
Lord Redesdale was invited to be the first national chairman for the Best Bar None scheme at the end of 2007 and he has just chaired his second national board meeting. As well as having first hand knowledge of the trade, Lord Redesdale is the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson in the Lords for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Agriculture and Energy).
Lord Redesdale, who himself owns The Redesdale Arms in Northumbria, believes that the Best Bar None scheme can be instrumental in improving city centre night time environments. It also rewards well run establishments.
Lord Redesdale said, “The licensed retail sector is often at the brunt of criticism regarding binge drinking and problems in city centres. Towns and cities that had adopted Best Bar None are saying, anecdotally, that they have seen a marked improvement in their night time environment. Of course Best Bar None schemes are not a cure-all solution but can be one of the key elements in tackling alcohol related disorder.
“I believe that we all value the institution of the British pub and Best Bar None schemes mean that licensees, local authorities and the police can work together to ensure that pubs are still at the centre of the British social life for everyone.
He added. “There are already over 80 Best Bar None schemes across the UK and whilst we are not calling for schemes to become mandatory, adoption of a Best Bar None scheme that meets local needs can only benefit the community, licensees and enforcers. We have a website which is being developed even further over the summer and a dedicated administrator who will be able to share best practice and advice with any local authority wishing to get involved.”
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| Contact | Michelle Luscombe Corporate Communications Manager 01276 417863 |
