For the second year in a row, pubs, bars and clubs in Gloucester are competing to receive national recognition for their commitment to improving the city’s nightlife experience.

After winning the ‘National Best New Scheme’ award in 2016, Gloucester is hosting the Best Bar None awards for the second time.

On Tuesday 17^th January Gloucester City Council, and its partners in Safer Gloucester, is hosting its nationally recognised awards ceremony at Kingsholm Stadium.

The black tie event is starting at 7pm and will see pubs, bars and clubs in Gloucester compete to receive recognition for their work to make the city a safer place at night.

Applications for the awards opened in July and more than 18 submission were made. Safer Gloucester officers assessed each application to see which ones reached the accredited standards set by the national best bar none association.

The categories within the awards include, best chain pub, best independent pub, and the best small local pub. A full list can be found here: www.safergloucester.co.uk

In order to win its category, each establishment must have demonstrated how it has gone above and beyond to comply with the licensing regulations, support public safety and prevent crime and disorder in Gloucester over the past year.

Best Bar None is a nationally recognised award scheme which aims to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder, help licensed traders to build relationships between themselves, the police and local authorities, and to recognise good practice.

Last year, Safer Gloucester initiated Best Bar None as part of the NightSafe commitment to improving nightlife in the city centre.

Cllr Jennie Watkins, deputy leader of Gloucester City Council and chairman of NightSafe Committee, said: “The Best Bar None awards were a great success last year and I was thrilled to see so much interest from local businesses again this year. It really does go to show we’re all pulling together to make the city an even safer place to be at night time.

“We are delighted that our licensed premises in the city have a responsible attitude to safe and sensible drinking. It’s fantastic that Best Bar None will reward them for their efforts.”

The Safer Gloucester Partnership formed the NightSafe in 2012 and includes representatives from Gloucester City Council’s community safety, licensing and city centre teams, Gloucestershire Constabulary; Gloucestershire County Council, councillors, local universities, Licensed Victuallers Association and taxi trade.