Best Bar None is an awards and accreditation scheme that recognises and rewards businesses who are providing a high standard of service and safety for its customers. And the scheme is being rolled out by St Helens Borough Council as one of its many measures to support the night-time economy, improve standards and promote high quality venues.

The first business to have gained the accreditation as the accreditation process gets rolled out is The Sefton in St Helens town centre.

Matty Williams, General Manager at The Sefton, said: “We’re delighted to get this accreditation for Best Bar None and it’s a signal to our customers that we take pride in giving them a venue that is well run. As more and more venues get accredited it shows that St Helens town centre is a great place for people to enjoy spending time at a host of quality venues all proven through the Best Bar None scheme.”

Councillor Jeanie Bell, Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities, added: “The Best Bar None scheme is one way we can recognise the many great bars and pubs we have across the borough. The accreditation process also provides our Licensing Team the opportunity to talk through practical steps that venues can take to improve customer experience and make our town centres safe and inviting for visitors.

“The scheme has shown in other places how improving standards can have a positive impact on reducing alcohol related crime and disorder and make the night time environment a welcoming experience for visitors which makes it a more desirable place to visit and boosting business for well run bars and pubs. We’ve only just launched the scheme here in St Helens Borough so I’m sure as our team continue to support venues we’ll see more and more getting the accreditation and the opportunity to win awards along the way.”