News In Focus
20 May 2005
Calling time on pub crime
A scheme which has helped to cut alcohol-related crime in England is being rolled out north of the Border.
Licensed premises in Glasgow will be encouraged from next month to join the "Best Bar None" initiative. Under the project, pubs, bars and nightclubs can receive accreditation for setting out detailed policies on public nuisance prevention, dispersal, security training, drugs, and health and safety. Premises are vetted by inspectors from the scheme.
Sponsored by the drinks company Diageo and run by licensed trade leaders, police and local councils, "Best Bar None" has reduced drinks-fuelled crime by about 9% since it was introduced in Manchester in 2002.
The organisers hope that at least 120 pubs will sign up for the trial when it is launched in Glasgow on 3 June.