Sheffield nightlife safety scheme scoops national award

A scheme to promote a safe and vibrant nightlife in Sheffield city centre has won two national awards. Nick Simmoite - Unite Chair, Julie Hague - Safeguarding SCC, Jayne Forest - Chief Inspector, Tracey Ford - BBN Project Manager, Matt Burdett - South Yorkshire Police, Rachel Watson - Popworld

The project won the ‘best overall scheme’ and ‘most innovative scheme’ categories at the Best Bar None awards ceremony this week.

The creators of the scheme were also given £6,000 prize money, which will be invested into the project.

Coun Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for Public Health and Equality at Sheffield City Council, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Sheffield and all those involved with Best Bar None. It’s great that the work we are doing has been recognised on a national level.”

Best Bar None is a national award scheme supported by the Home Office and aimed at promoting responsible management and operation of alcohol-licensed premises.

A total of 40 local nightclubs, bars and pubs have signed up to Sheffield’s Best Bar None which runs in the city centre and along Ecclesall Road.

It is run by Sheffield City Council’s Drug and Alcohol Coordination Team and rewards responsible licensing practice as well as encouraging effective partnership working between the council, police and licensed premises.

There is a Best Bar None app for Sheffield. It allows you to find Sheffield’s best and safest entertainment venues for your night out via GPS technology and includes all Best Bar None accredited premises in the city.

It also gives tips on safety during a night out and travel information for moving around the city safely.

The app is available for Android and Apple.

n For information visit www.sheffielddact.org.uk/drugs-alcohol/priorities-and-campaigns/best-bar-none.