Pubs in Fleet sign up to crime-busting Best Bar None

Two town centre pubs in Fleet have already signed up to the

Best Bar None (BBN) scheme and more are expected to join, say the organisers.

BBN is a national award initiative supported by the Home

Office that rewards well-managed venues working to improve customer safety, prevent

crime and reduce public nuisance.

The scheme is being introduced in Fleet as an additional

tool to combat yobbish alcohol-related crime in the town's thriving night time

economy.

Violence of this type in Fleet increased by 21 per cent

during last winter, but since January has fallen by 16 per cent thanks to the efforts

of the town's Community Safety Partnership.

"We envisage the scheme being slowly rolled out across Fleet

town centre during the next two years," said David Lipscombe, community safety

officer in Hart.

"This first year we are concentrating on those venues which

are part of the Pub Watch Scheme."

Where BBN has been introduced in

other parts of the country, alcohol related crime and disorder has fallen.

This is because the scheme builds

positive relationships between the licensees, police and local authorities.

It also reduces the harmful effects

of binge drinking and improves the knowledge and skills of enforcement and

regulation agencies.

Licensees and bar staff are also

given support to help them responsibly manage their premises.

What do you think about the scheme?

What are your experiences out and about in Fleet at night?