BEST Bar None Scotland (BBN) has successfully launched its Scottish Borders programme for the new term.

Venues from across the Borders attended the event on Thursday 12th August at the Queen’s Head Hotel in Kelso which invited licensed premises to sign up to the initiatives 2015/16 scheme.

A total of 15 premises from across the region have so far applied to sign up.

The initiative has been running in the Borders since 2011 and currently has 420 members nationally.

BBN, is an accreditation initiative aiming to promote responsible management and operation of licensed premises throughout Scotland to help create a safer, socially responsible and more vibrant leisure economy.

This event provided potential new members the chance to find out more about the different awards available and the benefits of gaining accreditation.

Presentations were provided by Susan Walker (Scottish Borders ADP), Arlene Campbell (BBN), Nick Walker (Police Scotland), Ian Tunnah (Scottish Borders Council Licensing) and Joyce Campbell (2014 GOLD BBN Award Winner – The Waggon, Kelso).

Arlene Campbell, Best Bar None Scotland Lead, said: “Best Bar None Scotland works hard to establish constructive relationships between the Scottish Borders civic authorities, the police and the regional licensed trade. It is our collective goal to see bars, pubs and hotels become recognised as one of the areas well known attractions.

“Being part of the BBN initiative is an excellent way for venues to show they care about more than just their products but about their standards of service and customer care.

“It’s my hope that by increasing numbers of local premises becoming BBN accredited, the Borders is able to boost its excellent reputation as a safe and enjoyable location for residents and visitors to enjoy.” The closing date for this year’s applications is 16 September. Application forms are available from the Council website: www.scotborders.gov.uk/bestbarnone or from the Safer Communities Team on 01835 823204.

Allocation of the awards will be announced at a ceremony due to take place in Spring next year.

The Best Bar None initiative has accredited over 420 premises throughout Scotland and works with the licensed trade, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, suppliers, The Scottish Licensed Trade Association and supported by Scottish Government to celebrate and reward licensed premises for responsible management and efforts made to combat alcohol related crime and disorder.

The Best Bar None scheme, which is sponsored by Diageo, Molson Coors, Heineken, Tennents, Maxxium and Chivas Brothers is an integral part of the Safer Areas Initiatives throughout Scotland.