celebrating
10 YEARS
A partnership between Durham City Licensees and
Working in partnership to raise standards
throughout Durham City Centre
This scheme has been very generously sponsored by:
Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
www.princebishops.co.uk
Sponsorship generously provided every year since 2008
Diageo GB
Sponsorship generously provided every year since 2010
www.diageo.com
Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf Club & Spa
www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk
Sponsorship generously provided every year since 2010
LWC (North East)
Sponsorship generously provided every year since 2011
www.lwc-drinks.co.uk
Durham City BID Ltd
Sponsorship generously provided every year since 2013
www.durhambid.co.uk
Start-up and early years sponsors:
Durham Police Authority, Innerglass, Swallow Hotels, Durham Markets Company, Phoenix Security,
Chester-le-Street & Durham City Enterprise Agency, NHS County Durham, Blachere Illumination
Our Objectives
To reduce the risk of alcohol related harm, disorder and crime.
To establish a benchmark of good practice in on trade licensed premises.
To identify and reward responsible operators and share their good practice with others.
To create consistency of standards throughout the UK with which to underpin the national
Alcohol Strategy and the 2003 Licensing Act.
To improve the knowledge and skills of enforcement and regulation agencies, licensees
and bar staff in order to deal effectively with issues relating to the management of
licensed premises. To understand how this can reduce alcohol related crime and disorder,
minimise the harmful effects of binge drinking, whilst improving the profitability of individual
businesses and the attractiveness of our City Centre.
To create a positive vehicle for all sectors of the night time economy to work together in
partnership for the common good.
To raise public awareness of the benefits of choosing to use a well run licensed premises,
thereby increasing public reassurance and the promotion of social inclusion and diversity
of use.
Overall Best Scheme in the UK 2016
“Being crowned the Best Overall Scheme in the UK twice within the 10 year lifespan of this
scheme is absolutely brilliant. To be held in such high regard nationally at the start of BBN
(only 2 years in) and to discover we still are, 10 years down the line is so rewarding and an
absolute testament to the licensees and our sponsors for sticking with us over the years.
Managing BBN for the last 10 years with the support of Ben Simpson and now Julie Everett,
alongside Insp Ian Proud at the inception and now PC Lee Jackson has made the job an
absolute pleasure and long may it continue.”
Carol Feenan
Durham City Best Bar None Manager.
Mark Baird (Diageo), PC Lee Jackson,
Carol Feenan and Lord Rupert
Redesdale at The House of Lords
National BBN Awards Evening.
3
Benefits
Standards outlined by Best Bar None provide a common reference point for Durham County
Council and Durham Constabulary officers to work with all of our bars, pubs, nightclubs, and
University bars in tackling crime and disorder issues on an ongoing basis. Best Bar None
Schemes also provide some key economic drivers for licensees who adopt the scheme, not
only is there the opportunity to be formally and publicly recognised, there are also opportunities
for self-promotion, publicity and marketing:
It’s a national award scheme, recognised as best practice by the Home Office and the industry.
It provides your business with a Free ‘health check’ for your premises.
Creates a safer environment for your customers and staff.
It’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate how well you manage your business.
Police/Fire Service and local authority partnership approach with participating licensees
rather than enforcement.
Free promotional and advertising opportunities.
Reduced public liability insurance.
Heavily discounted BII approved training courses.
Free training courses, provided by Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary for
BBN Accredited Premises on Conflict Management, Drug Awareness and Counter Terrorism.
Free equipment (while stocks last) eg Drug Safes and Metal Detection Wands, when
Scheme Managers have identified a need for such in the City Centre.
Discounted Pubwatch radios and equipment (while stocks last).
Increased footfall.
National recognition.
Reduction in Violence Against the Person in the Night Time Economy.
Increased turnover.
1 year’s free membership of the BII for Overall Scheme Winner.
“Being crowned Overall Winners of Best Bar None,
the Best Premises in Durham City Bar None, for
the second time, has been absolutely fantastic.
We were over the moon and can’t thank all of our
staff enough for their hard work and dedication
over the years. We are so proud.”
Diane and Paul Martin,
Owners of The Fighting Cocks
Durham City’s Best Premises Bar None 2016.
Who will be this Year’s Overall Winning Premises?
The Best Premises in Durham City Bar None!
4
The Process
Applications Deadline: 24th February 2017
Quality Assurance: 27th February, 26th April and 19th October 2017
BBN Standards Group will discuss any outstanding issues in relation to Applicant Premises
with BBN Managers and Assessors, as well as both positive and negative feedback from
Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit and Fire Service observational visits throughout the year.
Assessments: 27th February to 7th April 2017
Assessors will make an Appointment to visit your premises to carry out an Assessment. All
assessments will be carried out between 9.00am and 5.00pm and take approximately 2 hours.
Premises failing Assessment: appropriate agencies will work with premises (if they wish
to pursue Accreditation) to help raise their standards of operation, and will then have the
opportunity to be re-assessed week beginning 5th June.
Spot Checks - new addition this year
3 Spot Checks will be carried out over the year by the BBN Scheme Managers and feedback
will be provided after each visit to enable premises to make improvements where necessary
ahead of the next visit.
Marking and Levels of Awards: 20th October 2017
Scores achieved during Assessment and Spot Checks will be amalgamated and premises will
be awarded either:
Bronze: All Assessment Essential Criteria with at least 70% Spot Check score.
Silver: All Assessment Essential Criteria + 50% additional marks (from Assessment
Desirable and Bonus prompted criteria) and 80% Spot Check score.
Gold: All Assessment Essential Criteria +75% additional marks (from Assessment Desirable
and Bonus prompted criteria) and 90% Spot Check score.
Judging
The highest point scorer from Spot Check results and Assessment score, will be crowned
The Best Premises in the City Bar None. With the highest and 2nd highest in each category,
being crowned Best Bar, Best Pub, Best Nightclub and Best University Bar and Runners Up in
each instance. In the event of a tie, the Score from Assessment will decide positions.
Awards Tuesday 21st November 2017
A glittering gala black tie event held in the magnificent Bishops Suite at Ramside Hall Hotel.
Feedback
As well as receiving Spot Check feedback throughout the year, examples of good practice will
be extracted from the assessment visits, which will be disseminated to other licensed premises
to consider at the 2018 Launch. Assessors will be available to meet accredited premises to give
feedback if requested. The Assessors will also make appointments to visit all premises who
do not succeed in gaining accreditation, they will work through the issues that prevented your
business from reaching the prescribed standard and will help you to develop an action plan in
order to improve your performance and be re-assessed later in the year.
5
Durham City Best Bar None Zone
Applicable Pubs, Bars, Nightclubs
Angel
Grey College Bar
Bar 33
Hatfield College Bar
Big Jug
Josephine Butler College Bar
Bishops Mill Lloyds No 1
Riverside Bar & Café, Students Union
Boat Club
St. Aidan’s College Bar
Bridge Hotel
St. Chad’s College Bar
Court Inn
St. Cuthberts Society Bar
Dun Cow
St. Hild & St. Bede College Bar
Ebony Champagne & Cocktail Bar
St. Mary’s College
Fabio’s Bar
St. John’s College Bar
Fat Buddha Asian Bar and Kitchen
The Stag’s Head, Collingwood College
Fighting Cocks
Trevelyan College Bar
Half Moon Inn
Undercroft Bar
Head of Steam
Ustinov College Bar
Jimmy Allens Bar and Lounge
Van Mildert College Bar
John Duck
Klute
Library
Loft
Loveshack
Market Tavern
Missoula
My House Bar & Kitchen
New Inn
Osbournes
Shakespeare
Station House
Studio
Swan and Three Cygnets
Water House
William Hedley
Whisky River Cocktail Bar
Wiff Waff
Woodman Inn
Ye Old Elm Tree
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Applicable University Bars
Applicant’s Details
Designated premises supervisor:
Premises manager:
Premises name:
Premises address:
Postcode:
Premises telephone number:
Manager’s mobile telephone number:
Email address:
Area manager’s name:
Address:
Telephone number:
Mobile telephone number:
Email address:
Please tick which category you are entering?
Pub
Bar
Nightclub
University Bar
This application form must be completed in full and submitted with a cheque for £30.00 made
payable to Durham County Council and returned by 24th February 2017 to:
Carol Feenan, BBN Manager, City Centre Management, Durham City Police Station,
New Elvet, Durham City DH1 3AQ
Please note that by taking part in Best Bar None you are agreeing to your contact details being
issued to the National Best Bar None and BII offices.
7
Promotional Details
Please supply the following information, showing how you would like your premises to be
advertised to the general public
Premises name:
as it should appear on printed material/adverts
Opening hours:
Food served from and until:
Telephone number:
Website address:
Email address:
Description of your business/service:
maximum 60 words
Do you give us permission to pass on your details to interested parties
e.g. insurance companies?
Yes 8
No
Guidance Notes
Assessments are based on the essential, desirable and bonus criteria in the scoring
documentation the Assessors complete.
The scoring book comprises of 4 licensing objective sections:
Prevention of Crime and Disorder
Public Safety
Prevention of Public Nuisance
Protection of Children from Harm
There are 39 essential criteria (listed overleaf for your reference). You must score 100% of the
essential criteria to receive accreditation, as well as achieve a minimum of 70% on all 3 Spot
Check visits. There are a further number of desirable and bonus points (listed in the following
pages) that the assessors may award if they feel the venue has gone above what is required
of them.
You need to be able to prove that your premises has the appropriate interventions,
policies and procedures in place during the assessment stage. You will also be required to
demonstrate that the required policies and procedures in place have been communicated to
members of staff. Records of this will need to be retained.
Venues should assemble a booklet/folder(s) that records staff training, detailing the training
content together with an acknowledgement by the trainee that they have received and
understood the training given.
In relation to your consideration around counter terrorism measures you may wish to view
the NaCTSO website and utilise the Bar’s, Pubs and Clubs Protective Security document,
which can be found in the Crowded Places link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/
counter-terrorism-protective-security-advice-for-bars-pubs-and-clubs
You may also wish to highlight any further initiatives that you undertake that can support
your application, for example, providing lollipops or sweets to customers as they leave your
premises, in an attempt to keep them quiet, so they won’t disturb your neighbours! You
can now also pick up added bonus points for the amount of Pubwatch meetings you have
attended within the previous 12 months to the scheme’s launch date.
Please be aware that the information in the following pages is a guide and your premises will
not pass by simply copying information straight from this guide. If you do not meet mandatory
conditions or if customer safety is found to be at risk when your premises is assessed we
will make the relevant authority aware of the problem we have found. Individual business
applications and assessment findings will remain confidential to the respective company.
If premises fail to maintain standards, accreditation and awards can be withdrawn from
premises at any time.
New this year: Replacing Mystery Shopping, BBN Scheme Assessors will conduct 3 Spot
Checks at each venue to validate standards are being continuously maintained.
9
Essential Criteria Check List
Must provide evidence of a policy on searching patrons.
Must provide evidence of a procedure in place to ensure that anyone carrying out the role of
a door supervisor is licensed by the SIA or subject to a Licence Dispensation Notice.
Must provide evidence of regular staff meetings which include security as an Agenda item.
Must have an incident book and record each incident.
Clear policy regarding safe disposal of drugs.
Has a proactive approach to preventing drug use including evidence of regular toilet
monitoring, controlling flat surfaces etc
Must provide evidence of a clear policy on prevention of illegal drug and psycho-active
substance (legal high) use and supply on the premises.
Must provide evidence of policies in place for preventing and dealing with disorder, handling
of weapons, managing conflict and recording incidents of this nature.
Must provide evidence of an Audit Trail in relation to confiscated items, eg knives, fake ID
Must provide evidence of a lost property recording system or locked box/cupboard.
Private areas are kept locked and secured when premises are open.
Must provide evidence of managing capacity effectively including outside areas.
Must provide evidence of a written accident recording system.
Undertakes full building check prior to opening to the public and prior to closing for security
threats, drugs and lost property.
Must provide evidence of a written fire safety risk assessment which has been completed or
reviewed in the last twelve months.
Must have an adequate fire detection warning system in place.
Fire exits must be free from obstruction and well lit at all times.
Must provide evidence that all fire safety checks are documented.
Must provide evidence of fire equipment being inspected/service annually.
Must provide evidence of annual fire evacuation training exercises.
Must have regular gas safety checks (annually) and electrical checks (5 yearly).
Must provide evidence of a procedure for building evacuation in the event of an emergency
(terrorism, power loss etc) and utilises available resources.
Must provide evidence of an effective glass collection policy inside and outside including
perimeter checks.
Must provide evidence of effective spillage and broken glass policy.
Must provide evidence of a dispersal policy.
Must provide evidence of a robust proof of age verification policy and evidence that
procedures are followed at all times, display posters (eg Challenge 25)
Clear policy and procedure specific to the protection of children are in place (eg Risk
Assessments).
Must provide evidence of a Duty of Care for any person on the premises who are identified
as vulnerable through: Drinks, Drugs, Disability or Injury.
Must provide evidence of compliance to the mandatory code in relation to drinks promotions
and availability of smaller measures.
Must provide evidence of staff training with clear documented policies including records of
ongoing refresher training for: Drunkeness, Disorder prevention & Conflict Management,
Drugs, Crime Prevention, Fire & Use of Fire Equipment, Responsible Alcohol Retailing,
Counter Terrorism, Prevention of underage & Proxy sales of alcohol to under 18s
New this year: All licensing conditions set for your premises will be designated as additional
Essential Criteria.
10
Desirable and Bonus Criteria
Desirable Criteria
Door Company are registered as an SIA Approved Contractor.
Venue has roving security staff.
Mapping system used to identify hot spots with the premises.
All staff are easily identified eg use of tabards, uniforms, high vis garments etc
Records details of persons ejected/barred eg door log, till buttons
Where door staff are not required at a licensed premises, venue management are trained in
Counter Terrorism (eg have attended Project Argus or Griffin Workshop)
Any drugs found are documented, bagged and labelled and are placed in a lockable cabinet
or safe and the police are informed.
Clear procedures are in place for determination and preservation of crime scene and
witness details until police arrive.
Radios are used to keep in touch with other venues.
Has one Appointed Person with access to an adequate first aid kit.
Has Food Hygiene Rating Score of 3 or more.
Rubbish stored externally is secure, away from doors/windows, to prevent use in arson attacks.
Any waste glass left outside is secured/locked.
Has measure in place to prevent patrons leaving the premises with glasses/bottles.
Voluntarily uses alternative to glass for special event, drinks that are taken outside or
general service where risk assessed.
Where there is an identified risk to staff through a Noise at Work Risk Assessment
measures have been put in place to address the risk.
Is an active member of Pubwatch.
Provides customers with the opportunity to apply for proof of age cards eg PASS.
Displays BBN QR code to direct customers to variety of support services eg alcohol advice,
sexual well being, drink spiking, vulnerability.
Provides/displays information to customers with regard to accessing taxis, public transport
and university taxi contractors and nightbus.
Consults regularly with neighbourhood businesses/residents to ensure continued
harmonious relationships.
Provides evidence of staff training with clear documented policies including records of
ongoing refresher training for vulnerability/first aid.
Supports and records staff achievements in accredited qualifications.
Bonus Criteria
Additional security measures (eg metal detectors, door arches, I.D. scanners, breathalysers)
Door staff attend Pubwatch and share minutes with their door teams.
Has additional anti theft measures in place (eg bag hooks, mirrors, lone worker alert measure).
Provides a first aid room/quiet area to assist injured persons.
Conducts mock evacuation training exercises (different from fire).
Blast resistant or any anti shatter film protection has been installed to all exterior and
significant interior glass
Is a member of any recognised trade organisation (eg BII, IOL, CAMRA).
Do you have a Taste Durham Award?
Actively supports City Centre initiatives such as Streetlights, University Taxi Contracting
Scheme, Nightbus Call Ups.
Takes practical steps to discourage drink driving.
11
Spot Check Criteria
New for this year (to replace Mystery Shopping visits), BBN Scheme Managers will conduct
3 Spot Checks at each venue, to validate that standards are being continuously maintained
throughout the year. They will be checking the following:
Exterior
Were there no excessive amounts of un-attended glassware?
Was the perimeter of the venue clean and tidy?
Door Staff
Were the door staff courteous, offering a greeting and farewell?
Were they managing queues and outside areas appropriately?
Could you see their SIA badge?
Staff
Were staff identifiable as staff (uniforms, bar tshirts, badges)?
When arriving at the venue were you greeted straight away by bar
staff, or door staff, if on duty?
Signage
Was the premises licence clearly visible?
Was a price list visible?
Is there a notice informing customers that small drinks measures
are available?
Note: proportionate marking if venue only sells small measures.
Was the age policy clearly signed?
UNI BARS - Is College Drink content listed along with ABV?
Fire Exits
Were fire exits available and clear from obstruction (bar side)?
Were all of the exits illuminated?
Toilets
Were the Ladies toilets clean and tidy?
Were the Gents toilets clean and tidy?
Was there evidence of regular checks?
Interior
Was there evidence of regular glass collecting?
Was the floor clean, dry and safe?
Social Responsibility
Were QR codes to BBN website displayed in venue?
Taxi/bus info available?
Info to access Uni taxi contractors and night bus?
Drinks Promotions
Were there any un-acceptable drinks promotions on sale?
(list what and cost)
Safety
Have you observed any breach of Licensing Conditions or
Objectives?
Did you see anyone leaving the venue with a glass/bottle who
walked away un-challenged? If Yes: deduct one point.
12
Scheme Managers
Carol Feenan
Durham County Council
Durham City Centre Manager
PC Lee Jackson
Durham Constabulary
Response Policing Unit
If you have any questions or need guidance throughout the year, please contact:
Carol Feenan,
BBN Manager, City Centre Management,
Durham City Police Station,
New Elvet, Durham City DH1 3AQ
Tel: 07584 217 019
Email: [email protected]
Scheme Assessors
Julie Everett
Durham County Council
City Centre Project Support Officer
PC Lee Jackson
Durham Constabulary
Response Policing Unit
Standards Group
Peter McDermott
Senior Fire Safety Officer
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service
Garry Keay
Licensing Team Leader
Durham County Council
PC Claire McNaney
Alcohol Harm Reduction Co-ordinator
Durham Constabulary
13
Durham City Best Bar None
“This scheme has been a tremendous success over the years and we are
both proud and delighted to have once again won the Overall Best Scheme in
the UK Award. Best Bar None has helped make socialising in our city’s pubs,
bars, nightclubs and University bars a safe and enjoyable experience and
long may it continue.”
Simon Henig
Leader of Durham County Council
“County Durham and Durham City are world known as destinations of culture.
Durham City Best Bar None Scheme now 10 years old has been pivotal in
ensuring our many visitors are safe and have a night to remember, with no
mornings of regret, for those who have enjoyed “the night time economy.”
Here’s to the next 10 years!”
Chief Constable Mike Barton
Durham Constabulary
“BBN in Durham has always shown what true partnership working can
achieve. With everyone working together over the last 10 years Durham’s
ENTE has become safer, more vibrant and more profitable.
“The Durham scheme has rightly received national recognition for its ground
breaking achievements in terms of alcohol related crime reduction, and we
at a national level encourage new schemes to look at the ‘Durham model’
to ensure sustainability and success. With fantastic support from the Police
and the Council, a willingness from the trade to continually improve the
experience of Durham’s Night-Time Economy, BBN in Durham is set to
achieve bigger and better things in its next 10 years. Well done, and thank
you to all involved.”
Mick McDonnell
National Coordinator - Best Bar None
“Best Bar None has been absolutely brilliant for all of us in the trade over
the last 10 years. It’s been the catalyst of an excellent partnership working
arrangement between the trade, local authority, emergency services and the
University. All of us enjoy improvements made in not just how we manage
our premises internally, but the effort between particularly the Council through
the City Centre Management Team and the Police in the safe management
and movement of the public in the city centre, at night, has been second to
none. The majority of licensees who have been taking part in Best Bar None
over the years have seen an increase in turnover and footfall and none of us
can complain at that. Here’s to another amazing 10 Years.”
Andy Hughes
Chairman, Pubwatch
14
Durham City Best Bar None
Celebrating
2016
- 9.7%
+19.2%
2012
2008
-57.6%
-35%
+75%
+12%-20%
+50% 2015
- 9%
+26.8%
+15% 2014
2011
2009
-87% -52%
+60%
+10-+15%
+50% -20.5% +14%
+30% 2013
- 57.6%
2010
+15%
-87%
+15%
+15/+50%
YEARS
Violent Crime
Violence Against the Person
Turnover
Footfall
15
celebrating
10 YEARS
Working in partnership
to raise standards
throughout
Durham City Centre, together we can:
Create an even safer, more attractive
and welcoming night time economy
Confirm Durham City as County Durham’s
premier night time destination
This scheme has been very generously sponsored by