Six venues in Ashford – The Ashford Club, Cameo, Matches, The County Hotel, Valerie’s, and Ashford Truck Stop – have been awarded ‘Best Bar None’ accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to the highest standards of safety and service.
The nationally accredited scheme seeks to help customers identify premises which are well run in terms of venue management, customer and staff safety and welfare, health and safety, alcohol management and customer service.
Administered by Kent Police and supported by Ashford Borough Council Licensing and Ashford Partnership Against Crime (Pubwatch and Shopwatch), the scheme welcomes local licensed premises to apply and undergo an assessment to demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of safety and service.
The venues involved are all members of the Ashford Partnership Against Crime Pubwatch Scheme. In addition to their membership of this scheme, Best Bar None further demonstrates the venue’s commitment to creating a safer environment in our night-time economy.
Each business received a plaque to display on its premises from Inspector Richard Batten from Ashford Police’s Community Safety Unit at the May meeting of Pubwatch held at the Civic Centre.
Richard Batten said: “Engaging with licensed premises and partner agencies is a vital part of our work to keep people who are socialising safe by ensuring that systems are in place to deal effectively with any issues that may arise.
“The Best Bar None awards have provided an opportunity to highlight how local establishments are upholding standards to make the town a safer place in which to socialise, and for us to liaise with partners on collaborative strategies to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the night-time economy.”
Cllr Liz Wright, cabinet member for communities and health, said: “The safety of our residents and visitors has to be our highest priority. It is of the utmost importance that customers can enjoy our night-time economy in a safe and comfortable environment.
“Best Bar None is an excellent scheme and I applaud the hard work and commitment shown by those businesses who have passed the assessment and are promoting best practice. I hope others will follow suit so that all visitors will feel safe and well looked after on an evening out.”
