Frequently asked questions
- Why apply for Best Bar None?
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Best Bar None is a nationally recognised standard of excellence endorsed by the Home Office. A Best Bar None award is proof that a premise is a quality venue, serious about customer care and safety.
The Awards will promote accredited premises to new customers. All accredited premises will receive a plaque for public display, be advertised on the City of York and Selby District Best Bar None website and be able to use the Best Bar None logo in any promotional material.
There is also the chance for cheaper business insurance. If a premise is a BEDA member and becomes accredited under the Best Bar None scheme, it may be eligible for significant reductions in insurance premiums.
- How do I apply?
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Details of how to apply can be found in the Apply now section.
- What do they ask in the application form?
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You will be asked to answer questions based on the Licensing Objectives set out by the Licensing Act 2003: Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Public Safety, Prevention of Public Nuisance and Protection of Children from Harm.
Premises will be asked about the policies they have in place to promote the Licensing Objectives. Assessors will then look for evidence of the policies at work in the premise.
Details of criteria, along with example questions and answers can be found in the criteria section.
- Who are the assessors?
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Assessors are members of different areas of the public sector involved in licensing. They have been given training and will carry a completely independent assessment of your premise.
- I've filled in the self assessment application pack, why do assessors need to visit?
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The assessment visit is to ensure that all premises receive an equal chance of achieving accreditation. Assessors will ask applicants to evidence some of the answers given on the application, such as looking through the incident book or checking fire exits are clear, but assessors will also encourage applicants show their premises in the best possible light. This will be done through careful questioning of the applicant and observations of the premise.
The assessment visit will probably last around 2 hours, but the assessors will arrange it for a time that suits the applicant.
- Surely this just another way for the police and licensing authority to get into my premise and catch me out?
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This is not an enforcement exercise and all feedback will be POSITIVE. The assessment bodies are seeking to work in positive partnership with the licensed trade to REWARD, and ENHANCE the image of, well run premises.
- If it is a national scheme why are the assessors from York and Selby?
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Assessors will be local to your premise's area but they will be following national guidelines set out in the Assessor's Guidance Notes. Assessment visits will be tailored to each premise's needs, but certain questions should be asked on every assessment visit from Belfast to Brighton and everywhere in between.
- I have more questions, who can I ask?
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If you have any query about the Best Bar None scheme please do not hesitate to contact the Best Bar None team on 07802 385220 or by email.