Pubs prepare to be the best

The accreditation initiative has already been running successfully in Dumfries, and organisers say they are pleased with the response locally — with four pubs in Annan and another in Lockerbie now also taking part.
Sgt Steven Wilson of Annan Police Station said: “PCs Iain Leggett and Audrey Johnstone are currently working with licensed premises in Annan which are taking part in the Best Bar None scheme, which has been run successfully in Dumfries.
“Certain premises are involved in that, and are going through the process of developing their bars, staff and training facilities to the benefit of the licensees, their staff and their customers.”
He added: “They’re spending three days doing that in Annan, and there’s quite a lot of work involved.”
PC Leggett explains the scheme has run in Dumfries for the past two years.
He said: “There’s four premises in Annan and one in Lockerbie which have all volunteered to be assessed this year.
“We have an LSO from the licensing board, someone from the fire service and the police as well.”
Participating premises have to meet the criteria of the national initiative in areas such as counter terrorism, property, false identification, first aid, disability access, community engagement, building safety and fire safety, and can receive bronze, silver and gold awards.
Pleased at the take-up within Annan, PC Leggett said: “It’s a bit of an unknown entity for the pubs, and a lot of hard work for them, so for them to take part in it is very encouraging.”