Press Office, Fettes

Licensed premises in Leith are getting the chance to prove they are 'Best Bar None' in a scheme designed to reward the best of the area's pubs and bars.

The nationally-recognised scheme, which is sponsored by the Scottish Government and Diageo, is designed to promote safer and more inviting environments for customers.

Best Bar None is being piloted for the first time in Edinburgh and Leith has been chosen as the location for the pilot because of its strong, positive and unique community spirit.

Representatives from 68 licensed premises will meet with Lothian and Borders Police, The Scottish Business Crime Centre, City of Edinburgh Council, and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service at an event at Ocean Terminal today (Tuesday) to discuss becoming members of Best Bar None.

As well as promoting safety and security within licensed premises, the scheme also aims to develop positive and collaborative relations between the licensed trade and local partner agencies. The reward for achieving this includes the prestige of being part of the awards scheme, both locally and nationally.

The local awards ceremony,  will take place in September. Winners from each category will then be put forward for the national awards in March 2012.

The Best Bar None scheme was initially pioneered in 2003 by Greater Manchester Police and was adopted in Scotland in 2005, gaining support from the Scottish Business Crime Centre.

Within the Lothian and Borders Police Force area there are existing schemes in West Lothian, East Lothian and Midlothian.

Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, Divisional Commander for the City of Edinburgh, said: 'This scheme has proven to be very successful in other areas of the Force, and I hope that this initiative will be equally successful in Edinburgh.

'The criteria for becoming a member is rightly very strict, and this gives people the reassurance that they can enjoy all the Capital's night time economy has to offer in safe environment.

'The close working partnership between the police, fire service, council and licensees helps to not only promote good working practices, but to help reduce crime in and around licensed premises.'

Alan Dobie, Executive Director of the Scottish Business Crime Centre, said:
'The Best Bar None scheme is an excellent way of rewarding, recognising, and promoting good practice in local licensed premises. The safety of people who visit licensed premises to enjoy themselves is of paramount importance and contributes to the night-time economy in a very positive way.'

Councillor Marjory Thomas, Convener of the Licensing Board, said: 'The Best Bar None scheme has proved to be very popular and worthwhile in other areas of the UK and I am delighted it is coming to Edinburgh.

'It allows licensed premises to provide the best service possible, and also reassures the public that they can enjoy a safe and happy night out. The pilot will be in Leith and both locals and the wider community will be able to enjoy a great, safe night out and experience everything that the area has to offer.'

Group Manager Tom McGrath, from Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, said: 'Licensed premises pose a unique and significant risk for fire and rescue services. There have been well-documented cases where poor staff training on fire safety issues has led to serious incidents.

'For that reason Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service is very supportive of the Best Bar None initiative and welcomes the opportunity to work with landlords to improve fire safety and training within licensed establishments.

'We hope the introduction of the scheme in Edinburgh will be successful and help to continuously improve safety standards across the city. Ensuring adequate and effective fire safety systems are in place means the public can be assured that all the necessary steps have been taken to protect them and allow them to enjoy a safe time in a licensed premises.'