Dartford venues join community safety scheme

Pubs, clubs and bars in Dartford have joined an initiative to help reduce alcohol-related crime and promote safer socialising.

Best Bar None is an accreditation scheme supported by the Home Office and drinks industry which has been set up to improve standards in the evening and night-time economy.

It was originally piloted in Manchester to recognise and reward responsible premises and to improve operating standards, and was launched in Thanet in May. The initiative will now see businesses in Dartford take part.

Standards

By agreeing to join the scheme, businesses will work closely with Kent Police, Dartford Borough Council and other establishments to reduce crime and work to keep their communities safe.

Venues must also demonstrate their competency in four key areas - venue management, staff training and care, customer safety and welfare, and customer service and community.

Assessments will begin in August and if the businesses are successful they will be accredited by the scheme. Further businesses will be able to request to join at a later date.

Working together

District Commander for north Kent, Chief Inspector William Lay said: 'We have a vibrant and busy night-time economy and work hard to ensure those who work, live and visit the towns do so safely and responsibly.

'This initiative will only seek to further strengthen this, and it is great to see businesses wishing to join the scheme.

'By taking part they are agreeing to help ensure Dartford continues to be a safe and enjoyable experience for all who frequent the town and that those in the scheme work towards maintaining high standards and good practices within their venues.'

Dartford Borough Council Leader, Cllr Jeremy Kite, said: 'As we all get back together again, socialising is such an important part of life. We all want to feel safe and be safe.

'Best Bar None is an initiative which encourages venues in the night-time economy to be the best they can be, and provide a safe and secure environment for all their guests. It's a mark of quality that every guest can rely upon.'

For more information on the Best Bar None initiative visit Drinks Initiatives - Best Bar None (England and Wales)