Night time economy partners put safety first with launch of new city centre Best Bar None and Pubwatch schemes
Sheffield City Council, working in partnership with Sheffield Business Improvement District (BID) and partners from across the night time economy, held a successful launch event for new city centre Best Bar None (BBN) and Licence (Pub) Watch schemes at the Genting Casino earlier this month.
The launch of these new schemes aim to further cement the city centre’s reputation for providing a safe and enjoyable night out. The event, which was attended by over 100 delegates from across the city’s night time economy, included keynote speeches from Kate Josephs, Chief Executive at Sheffield City Council, and Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association. More than 35 licensed venues were represented on the evening.
Sheffield has a long and proud history of success with Best Bar None.
In 2009 city centre favourite, Frog and Parrot on Division Street, won the overall winner award in the first year of the scheme in Sheffield before going on to win the overall winner for the national programme. In 2018, Sheffield won the most innovative scheme for their BBN Champions programme and, in 2020, Sheffield won the title of best overall scheme in England and Wales.
Unfortunately, many BBN programmes such as that which operated in Sheffield, were placed on hold due to the impact of the pandemic.
Best Bar None is open to all hospitality businesses in Sheffield city centre. Premises are assessed on their performance across key areas, with their entries reviewed by a judging panel prior to a final celebratory awards dinner which will be held in 2024.
The Licence (Pub) Watch Scheme is a scheme run by licensees for licensees, set up to promote best practice through supporting the work of local venues and operators. Its aim is to achieve a safer drinking environment in all types of licensed premises.
Darren Hendleman-Horne, Operations Manger for Sheffield BID and chair of the Best Bar None Steering Group said:
“Best Bar None brings safety in the night time economy front and centre and is an excellent opportunity for premises to show what sort of venues they are running, how responsible they are and how they value customer safety as much as their custom. Achieving success in these key safety areas not only benefits venues but benefits the city, knowing it is part of an active Best Bar None scheme.”
Darren Hendleman-Horne speaking at the launch of the Sheffield Best Bar None scheme
Nick Simmonite from Unight, who represent Sheffield’s night time community, said:
“We get to showcase the venues and professionals who keep Sheffield the capital of beer, music and creativity. We have a lot to be proud of, from our vibrant bar scene to legendary venues that have hosted and built generations of musicians and fans. Best Bar None is our chance to share best practice, and all up our game.”
⭐ Nick Simmonite (centre) receiving his National Pubwatch 2023 Star Award ⭐
Steve Lonnia, Sheffield City Council’s Lead Officer for the Night Time Economy said:
“The attendance at the launch was truly rewarding and shows the commitment of the night time industry and its staff to work in partnership for the benefit of our great city.”
City centre venues that would like further information on either Best Bar None or the Licence (Pub) Watch scheme should contact: hello@sheffield-nte.co.uk.
