Sheffield safe nightlife scheme in line for award

The city’s ‘Best Bar None’ scheme is the only one in the country to be shortlisted for two of the three national awards.

Winners will be announced at the House of Lords tomorrow.

The scheme encourages bars to avoid irresponsible drink offers, have strong security and work with the authorities to promote a safer nightlife atmosphere.

The scheme will compete against 34 other cities for the awards of Best Overall Scheme and Most Innovative Scheme,.

Forty nightclubs and bars from the city centre to Ecclesall Road have signed up for the Sheffield scheme.

Coun Mazher Iqbal, Sheffield Council cabinet member of public health and equality, said: “The pubs, clubs and bars in Sheffield that have signed up to Best Bar None show they care about their customers and their safety.

“They’re also investing in the night time economy and I want to thank them all for making Sheffield a safe place to visit.”

Sheffield Council’s drug and alcohol coordination team run the initiative which is now in its seventh year, supported by South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield BID – the Business Improvement district.

Nick Simmonite, owner of the Frog & Parrot pub and BID board member, said: “Sheffield has a heritage of great bars and nightclubs.

“It is a true team effort involving collaboration with other sectors and services to raise the bar in terms of standards and practice.”