Pubs urged to sign the pledge

A NIGHT out in Oldham town centre is set to get a whole lot safer as pubs and clubs sign up for a crime-busting initiative.

Best Bar None, a national scheme, requires pubs and clubs to prove they are committed to improving the health, safety and wellbeing of their customers and promoting responsible standards of management while aiming to reduce drink-related crime.

This is done by having a number of documented policies and procedures in place outlining what staff are expected to do in certain situations such as dealing with drunk customers who are trying to buy more booze.

Security staff and bar workers receive regular training and licensees maintain strong contact with the police and council.

When it was launched earlier this year The Corner House, formerly The Mess House, was one of the first pubs to sign up.

Ryan Kelly, designated premises supervisor said: “When I heard about the Best Bar None scheme we were really keen to be involved, we take safety very seriously at The Corner House and hope this shows our customers that we want them to have a good night, but stay safe.”

Oldham’s notorious nightlife problems hit the headlines in August, 2009, when the BBC’s Panorama team spent several nights filming in Yorkshire Street.

The footage showed groups of boozed-up louts vomiting and fighting in the street prompting local police and the council to take action.

In recent years night-time crime in the town centre has dropped by more than a quarter thanks to the council’s work in this area.

A team of assessors will visit venues signed up to the scheme and an awards ceremony to recognise the best pubs and clubs will be held in June.

Licensees can get more info from Joseph Curran, Best Bar None co-ordinator on 07825 238321 (josephcurran@positivestepsoldham.org.uk)