BOLTON’S vibrant nightlife boasts something for everyone ­- from theatre and live shows in the cultural quarter to good food, family-friendly restaurants, historic pubs and trendy bars. Now the work to ensure visitors enjoying the town at night are kept safe has been recognised nationally. Saiqa Chaudhari reports

A SCHEME designed to keep people safe on a night out has won national recognition.

Bolton town centre served as a trailblazer for Best Bar None in Greater Manchester and the results were astounding ­- reducing violent crime in bars and pubs in Bolton town centre by more than 30 per cent.

Now Bolton’s Best Bar None scheme has been voted the “Most Innovative” in England and Wales, in the national Best Bar None Awards.

The team was awarded the winner's trophy at a prestigious ceremony held in the House of Lords.

Best Bar None is a Home Office-backed scheme that sees the alcohol industry working together with local authorities and the police to promote responsible drinking and higher professional licensing standards in bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants.

The award for Most Innovative Scheme is presented to the regional scheme that has developed the most creative concept or initiative designed to make a difference in the local area.

Bolton now has 28 licensed premises accredited by Best Bar None.

Since it was established in 2017, Bolton BBN has had real success in reducing crime in licensed premises, but also in reducing vulnerability across the borough.

It has achieved this by introducing initiatives like Ask for Angela - where customers can discreetly alert trained staff if they are feeling threatened on a night out – and Get Home Safe (#GHS), which reminds people to always use a licensed taxi.

To promote awareness the scheme recently launched a QR code which members of the public can scan to find out more about the public safety initiatives in place.

In addition, all staff in BBN-accredited venues wear Best Bar None branded lanyards.

A Best Bar None promotional video highlighting the work of the scheme has also been developed and was broadcast around the streets of Bolton via a media vehicle during the busy Halloween celebrations.

Pc Andrew Vernon, Bolton’s scheme co-ordinator, said: “We are so proud to have been recognised in the national awards for our commitment and dedication to creating a safe and welcoming environment in Bolton, particularly when it comes to the night-time economy. We’re really proud of everything we’ve achieved in the last 12 months.

"As well as introducing Ask for Angela and the Get Home Safe initiative, we have worked hard to raise awareness of the scheme and promote public safety across the borough.”

Best Bar None Bolton is supported by Bolton Council, Greater Manchester Police and the Night-time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, Sacha Lord.

Mr Lord said: “Bolton is the best attended Best Bar None scheme across the whole of Greater Manchester. That shows a pride and commitment from everyone involved.

"It also shows a determination that operators who have signed up want to run a safe, diverse and inclusive night out for their customers. I’m a big advocate of the Best Bar None scheme. The plaque sends out a signal that the premises, staff and operator actually care. I certainly look forward to working with operators across the Bolton borough and hope that next year it grows even more.”

Leader of Bolton Council Cllr David Greenhalgh said: “Huge congratulations to the team on this well-deserved national award. It shows a true partnership between the council, police and licensees in Bolton, working at its best, to make our licensed premises as safe as they can possibly be. To be named as the most innovative scheme on a national level is a brilliant achievement.”