The ‘Best Bar None’ scheme was introduced to the area for the first time last year, with three licensed premises in Annan all making the grade.
Explaining the national scheme, PC Iain Leggett from Annan Police Station said: “It’s from the five principles of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 which are prevention of crime and disorder, protection of public safety, protection of the environment, promotion of public health and protection of children from harm.”
Licensed premises in the area were invited to participate, with four coming forward.
Police, a representative of the council’s licensing board and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service toured the four premises last summer and assessed them in various capacities.
All had to meet all the essential requirements to obtain an award, while there were also desirable and bonus sections.
PC Leggett said: “The Shed got a silver award and The Blue Bell got a silver award plus a first year commendation, just for the fact that they went that one bit further.”
The Corner House Hotel in Annan scored bronze in the hotel category, while The Townhead Hotel in Lockerbie scored silver and also received a first year commendation.
The awards were presented at the Dumfries and Galloway Licensed Victuallers Association’s annual ball at The Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries last month.
Praising ‘Best Bar None’, PC Leggett said: “I find it a very good scheme. It helps licensees to put in place policies that they probably didn’t have in the first place.”
He added: “It helps makes it a safe environment for people to go out drinking.”
The scheme’s focus returns to Dumfries this year, but there are opportunities for licensed premises in Annandale and Eskdale to take part again in 2017 for the first time, or in a bid to improve their gradings.
