What is best bar none?

BBN is a national award scheme supported by the Home Office and aimed at promoting responsble management and operation of alcohol licensed premises. It was piloted in Manchester in 2003 and found to improve standards in the night time economy, with premises now competing to participate. It has since been adopted by 100 towns and cities across the UK and is now being taken up internationally.

The aim of BBN is to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder in a town centre by building a positive relationship between the licensed trade, police and local authorities.

It reduces the harmful effects of binge drinking as well as improves the knowledge and skills of enforcement and regulation agencies, licensees and bar staff to help them responsibly manage licensed premises.

The process of becoming recognised by BBN includes meeting minimum standards and culminates with a high profile award night with category winners and an overall winner.

Responsible operators are recognised and able to share good practice with others. A scheme can also highlight how operating more responsibly can improve the profitability of an individual business and attractiveness of a general area.

In 2007 an agreement was reached between Greater Manchester Police, the Home Office and BII, the professional body for the licensed retail sector, to develop the scheme nationally. An independent committee has been formed and is currently chaired by Lord Rupert Redesdale. BII's role in Best Bar None is to help and foster future development of the scheme.

Apply now

If you are interested in joining the sceme, download and fill out the application form.

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If you have any questions or require further information about the Best Bar None project, visit the contact page.