Hamilton is best bar none Awards set up for town licensees

Licensees in Hamilton are being called on to sign up to a national initiative aimed at creating a safer, socially responsible and more vibrant leisure economy.

Best Bar None is an accreditation scheme to celebrate and reward licensed premises for responsible management and efforts made to combat alcohol-related crime and disorder.

It includes an annual awards competition which is being coordinated in the Hamilton area by South Lanarkshire Council Trading Standards in partnership with Hamilton Business Improvement District (BID), Police Scotland and the Fire Service.

Gareth Walker of Hamilton BID said: “We are delighted to be working with the publicans in the town centre. The Best Bar None awards scheme will recognise the professionalism of our licensees and show how well their pubs are run. It is also a great opportunity to celebrate the success of some of Lanarkshire’s best run pubs.”

Awards for this year include Best Pub, Independent Pub, Bar, Independent Bar, Nightclub, Specialist Entertainment, Hotel Bar, People’s Choice Award and Best Public Health Initiative.

South Lanarkshire Council’s head of fleet and environmental services, Shirley Clelland, said: “Best Bar None Scotland accreditation is a guarantee to customers that a venue is striving to offer the best safety measures and service standards.

“I would encourage all licensed premises in Hamilton to take this opportunity to find out about the scheme. Hamilton has a vibrant day and night time economy and it’s our ambition to ensure this is enhanced and supported by Best Bar None by ensuring venues provide, and customers receive, the very best quality experience.”

Sign up for the award scheme by contacting co-ordinator George Currie at South Lanarkshire Trading Standards on 01698 455782. Applications should be in by Friday, July 29. Assessments of venues will take place in August and September.