York recognised as top performer at annual National Best Bar None Awards Matters for a Safer Night Out in the City

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to make a night out in York not just fun, but safe too? It turns out, there’s a whole lot of work that goes into it, and the city has just picked up a major national award for being brilliant at it. On Tuesday, 24th March, at a fancy ceremony in the House of Lords, York was crowned the winner of the 'Best New Scheme' at the National Best Bar None Awards. This is a big deal because it shows that when it comes to creating a safe and welcoming evening atmosphere, York is leading the way. The award highlights the incredible effort from local businesses and organisations to make sure everyone has the best possible time after dark.

So, what’s this best bar none thing all about?

Right, let’s break it down. Think of the ‘Best Bar None’ scheme as a bit like those food hygiene stickers you see on restaurant doors. But instead of rating the kitchen’s cleanliness, it’s all about how well a pub, bar, or club is run to keep its customers and staff safe. It’s an official accreditation, backed by the Home Office, so it carries some serious weight. It’s basically the gold standard for a safe night out. Businesses that want to get this accreditation don’t just get a sticker; they have to prove they’re hitting high standards across the board. The whole scheme is designed to improve the evening and night-time economy for everyone.

The assessors look at four main things:

• Venue Management: This is about how the place is run day-to-day. Are the managers on the ball? Do they have all the proper policies and procedures in place? It's the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes everything run smoothly.

• Staff Training and Care: It’s not just about pouring the perfect pint. Staff need to be trained to spot and help someone who might be in a difficult situation. This ensures the team is prepared for anything and focused on customer care.

• Customer Safety and Welfare: This is a huge one. It covers everything from making sure the building is safe to having clear plans for dealing with emergencies. It’s all about creating an environment where every customer feels secure.

• Customer Service and Community: A great venue is more than just a place to get a drink; it's part of the local community. This part of the accreditation looks at how businesses work with their neighbours and contribute positively to the town or city.

Getting this accreditation shows that a business is serious about providing a high level of safety and customer care. It's a sign that they're one of the best.

York's big win at the national awards

Winning the 'Best New Scheme' at the National Best Bar None Awards is a massive achievement for the city. The scheme in York has been run by the York BID since July 2024, so to get national recognition this quickly is fantastic. It shows just how much dedication has gone into getting it off the ground. So far, 22 businesses across the city centre have earned the Best Bar None accreditation, proving their commitment to these high standards. And this is just the beginning. To celebrate the success of these venues, York BID is planning to hold the city’s very own local Best Bar None Awards this summer. It’s a great chance for the businesses and their teams to get together and celebrate all their hard work in making York’s evening economy so special.

A team effort for a safer city

This award wasn't just won by one person or organisation. It was a massive team effort, and that’s what makes it so important. It’s a shining example of brilliant collaboration. The York BID has been working closely with all sorts of partners to make the scheme a success. This includes the individual pubs and clubs, both big national chains and small independent spots, as well as organisations like the North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council. Everyone has pulled together to make safety and a welcoming atmosphere a top priority. When the police, the council, and local businesses all work together, the whole community benefits.

Carl Alsop, the Operations Manager at York BID, summed it up perfectly. He said,

‘We’re so pleased to be recognised as Best New Scheme at the National Best Bar None Awards. This accolade reflects the dedication, collaboration, and hard work of all our partners, including local venues, North Yorkshire Police, and City of York Council. Best Bar None gives residents and visitors confidence that they’re experiencing the very best in customer care, safety, and community.’

His words show that this isn't just about winning awards; it's about building confidence. When people go out in York, they can feel assured that the venues with the Best Bar None accreditation are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience.

More than an award: the purple flag connection

The Best Bar None scheme is also a key piece in a much bigger puzzle: York’s Purple Flag status. If you’ve heard of the Blue Flag award for beaches, which tells you a beach is clean and safe, then you’re on the right track. The Purple Flag is the town and city equivalent for the evening and night-time economy. A town with a Purple Flag accreditation is recognised as being a safe, welcoming, and well-managed place to be after 5 pm. It means the city offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and dining while also ensuring the safety of everyone enjoying it.

Achieving and maintaining Purple Flag status requires a lot of ongoing work and a commitment to high standards. The Best Bar None scheme plays a vital role here, as it provides clear evidence that licensed businesses are doing their bit. The York BID administers the city's Purple Flag status and strengthens it through lots of different projects. These include initiatives like the Street Rangers, who are out and about helping people, Taxi Marshals to make sure everyone gets home safe, and Street Cleansing teams who keep the city looking its best. All these projects come together to make York one of the best and safest destinations for an evening out, cementing its reputation as a leading city that truly values its community and visitors.