Over 100 people attended a Parliamentary Reception on The House of Commons Terrace at The Houses of Parliament to showcase Best Bar None (BBN) and all that has been achieved in the fight against alcohol related crime. More than half the attendees were Best Bar None Award winners from schemes around the country.

Best Bar None is a recognised award scheme supported by the Home Office. It is aimed at promoting responsible management and operation of alcohol-licensed premises, thus reducing alcohol related crime and disorder. Statistics taken from a recent individual scheme evaluation project show a drop of between15 and 30% in alcohol related crime, with BBN schemes highlighted as one of the major contributors towards this.

Phil Woolas MP, Home Office Minister of State, kicked off the speeches saying how very important BBN is to the industry and the country and thanking the winners of the schemes for their hard work. He told the assembled audience of BBN winners, MPs - including Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe and Assistant Government Whip Dawn Butler - and industry leaders that he welcomed the work of the scheme. Phil also pointed out that the idea of responsible drinking is mission critical for the Government and BBN is moving forward with the change in culture to show that we can all still enjoy a drink but in a responsible manner.

Assistant Government Whip and Brent MP, Dawn Butler, added that she was very proud of what Best Bar None has achieved in Brent with great partnerships blossoming between licensees, Police and the community.
Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands sponsored the reception and Elizabeth Crossick, Director of Government Relations & Social Responsibility Europe, spoke on behalf of the company commenting that they are very proud to support and encourage the take up of Best Bar None in all areas, including at a European level.

Bobby Smiljanic, Licensing Team Leader of Leicester BBN, gave a spirited presentation on how winning ‘The Most Innovative Scheme’ at last year’s BBN National Conference has helped to grow their scheme, with more venues taking part resulting in wider credibility.
Most scheme winners attending the prestigious reception had their photo taken with their constituency MP and the resulting PR will help to continue raising awareness of the benefits of BBN.

The reception was chaired by Lord Redesdale, Chairman of BBN.