Police in Exeter Show their Support for Best Bar None
The Best Bar None Awards event took place at The Terrace in Exeter last week and local police were there to show support for all the good work that goes on to keep people safe in the city.
This project for excellence is a way of showing guests who visit venues with the Best Bar None logo that they have been independently verified as meeting a higher than normal standard and that they are committed to providing support, safety and security to guests in Exeter.
The aim of the Best Bar None scheme in the city is to reduce alcohol related crime and violence against women and girls. The staff in accredited venues have training to deal with vulnerable people and take action if necessary.
Inspector Simon Arliss, sector inspector for Exeter, attended the event on Thursday (9 Feb). He said: “Best Bar None is a critical partner in maintaining and enhancing the safety of those enjoying a night-out in Exeter.
"The scheme is run by licensees who are heavily invested in the SWaN Charter – Safety of Women At Night. They also offer Bystander Intervention Training and other initiatives which prevent predatory behaviour. I am indebted to the energy and commitment the BBN members show. The scheme goes from strength-to-strength.”
Safer Exeter is a Community Safety Partnership made up of different organisations working together. This includes the city council, Devon and Cornwall Police and many other community groups. Those members signed up to the SWaN charter include Exeter City Council and Exeter University.
Many hospitality venues have already signed up to the charter to ‘Raise The Bar’ on public safety. To view the full list and find out more please use the link below.
Safety of Women at Night Charter - Organisations signed up to the Charter - Exeter City Council
For more information about the scheme visit Best Bar None Exeter | Raising The Bar (bbnexeter.com)
Best Bar None schemes take place across the UK and involve local council and police licensing officers, as well as street pastors who help people stay safe on a night out. Plymouth also has a Best Bar None Scheme and awards event.
The Exeter scheme has been running since 2014, however it underwent a major review and relaunch last year under the care of co-chairs Mat Jarratt and Dave Austin. Emma Gibson, who manages the Imperial pub, is also a key person in the BBN scheme. Her venue won Best Pub at this year’s awards event.
This year’s winners:
The best Public House
WINNER: The Imperial
The best entertainment/leisure venue
WINNER: The Phoenix
The best restaurant
WINNER: The Terrace
The best cocktail bar
WINNER: The Monkey Suit
The best student venue
WINNER: Vaults
The best nightclub
WINNER: Vaults
People’s champion
WINNER: The Monkey Suit
Public safety
Assessed by Simon Lane and Insp Simon Arliss, this award also took into account the scores on the relevant BBN sections
WINNER: Unit 1
Lorraine Cox Award
This is an award to a person or place that has through their work made a decisive difference to the safety and welfare of people in the night time economy
WINNER: Ann Hunter/InExeter for Exeter Safe Space
Chairmans Award
For outstanding contribution to the Best Bar None scheme
Simon Lane
The Winner of Best Bar None 2022/2023
The highest score achieved on any assessment this year
WINNER: The Phoenix
