People on a night out will be asked to #LoveSheffieldNights in celebration of 10 years in the Best Bar None Scheme.

Across the UK, 75 Best Bar None Schemes operate with the aim of reducing alcohol related crime and disorder, building positive relationships between licensed venues, the police and local authorities, and helping staff responsibly manage licensed premises.

In Sheffield, the Best Bar None scheme contributes to reduction in alcohol related disorder and helps to boost the city’s evening economy.

The scheme has played a vital role over the last decade encouraging pubs and clubs in the city centre to take an active role in modelling good practice around safe drinking. It has helped to nurture the nightlife into a fun and safe environment by launching campaigns such as “Ask for Angela” and the providing multipurpose mobile phone banks for Street pastors and the scheme continues to thrive and grow.

#LoveSheffieldNights is an opportunity for people to share on social media what makes Sheffield such a great night out, what it is that makes them feel safe or simply show their support for a city that makes them proud.

Cllr Jim Steinke, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety said: “We are delighted as a city to be recognised for the hard work put in to make sure that people can have a fun and safe time whatever it is they are doing in the city centre at night. The purple flag puts us amongst the best cities for what we have to offer in our city centre at night.

“Best Bar None has a big part to play in this and the partnership is always looking for new and creative ways to keep people safe at night. I just want to thank everyone involved for all their continuing hard work in making sure we remain one of the safest large cities in the country.”

Over the last 10 years the Best Bar None programme has championed initiatives such Ask for Angela, supported Street Pastors and encouraged licensed venues to look for ways to keep their customers safe such as providing free water and discounted soft drinks to encourage safe drinking.

The partnership is made up of Sheffield Drug and Alcohol/Domestic Abuse Coordination Team (DACT) with sponsorship from specialist solicitors John Gaunt and Partners, Gosh Promo, South Yorkshire Police, and Sheffield Business Improvement District (BID).

Through the commitment to Best Bar None those involved play an active role to help reduce crime and disorder, reduce alcohol related disorder and boost the night time economy.

Diane Jarvis, Sheffield BID manager, said: “Sheffield BID is pleased to provide continued support for Best Bar None as it celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2019. The on-going success of the scheme highlights how businesses in the city are working together to ensure Sheffield maintains its reputation as a fun and safe city to enjoy an evening out.

The BID’s involvement in the project is part of our commitment to supporting a safer city centre.  The scheme is a fantastic example of how our night-time economy works together to operate premises to an exceptionally high standard, reduce alcohol-related crime and address the issues of vulnerability in the city centre.

This is the fourth year we’ve taken part in the judging and it is always reassuring to see high standards of practice being demonstrated by pubs, bars and nightclubs.”

The quality of Sheffield’s Best Bar None scheme has been recognised by the national Best Bar None body and Sheffield has been nominated for two awards at the national awards. Nominations are for Best Overall Scheme and Most Innovative Scheme. The results will be announced at the ceremony on the 4 February.

There will also be a local awards ceremony held on the 13 February where premises in Sheffield City Centre will be recognised for their contributions towards Best Bar None. This event will include the announcement of the People’s Choice Award.  Customers have been given the opportunity to vote for their favourite pub, club and bar.

To vote or for more information visit www.sheffieldbestbarnone.com