Dundee City Council Press Releases

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Awards Scheme Launched

AN AWARDS scheme which rewards and recognises pubs and clubs that put in extra work to promote social responsibility and customer safety has been launched in Dundee.

The Best Bar None scheme, which has been running in the city since 2005, is calling for entries which will be judged later this year by a panel of industry experts. Dundee City Council, Tayside Police, Tayside Fire and Rescue Service and the licensed trade are backing the scheme, which is sponsored by Diageo.

Lord Provost John Letford, who is convener of the city's licensing committee and was representing Dundee City Council at the launch, said: "There is a proven link between highlighting and rewarding well run pubs and clubs and reductions in the risk of alcohol related harm, disorder and crime.

"Competition for the awards helps to drive up standards, creating a pride in the staff and licensee, which in turn leads to better service for the public and greater awareness of the benefits of choosing to go to well run establishments."

The awards build on the success of the DUNCAN (Dundee Co-ordinated Anti Crime Network) initiative's work in the night-time economy of the city centre, with the judging criteria of Best Bar None designed as add-ons to the strict health and safety measures demanded by licensing conditions.

Last year's winners Fat Sam's, who took the overall title as well as The Post Office Bar, Papa Jacques and Deja Vu Nightclub have proudly displayed their plaques marking category successes in last year's event for the past 12 months.

This year city centre publicans and club owners are already vying to scoop the titles of best pub, best bar and best nightclub, as well as other category awards. A two page entry form and further details of the competition are available at www.bbndundee.com

Best Bar None programmes are also run successfully in a number of other major cities including Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester.