Best Bar None is our new initiative that has been launched to improve night-time safety.
The Best Bar None accreditation scheme - is a Home Office backed initiative that aims to improve night time safety.
Chesterfield boasts a fantastic range of pubs, restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it a wonderful place to enjoy an evening out. Our town is a safe and welcoming place to live, socialise and visit but we understand that alcohol-related crime and disorder can occasionally arise in all towns and cities across the country.
That’s why we are committed to ensuring that Chesterfield remains as safe and welcoming as possible and the Best Bar None scheme helps us to achieve this.
Initially rolled out in Chesterfield Town Centre in 2024, the scheme is operated by the council, in partnership with Best Bar None, Chesterfield Pub Watch and Derbyshire Constabulary. It is already playing a vital role in helping reduce alcohol related crime and disorder across the borough.
The scheme is now open to all licensed premises in Chesterfield, and is designed to build positive relationships between the licensed trade, police and the council.
It culminates annually in an awards ceremony which celebrates the achievement of all of the premises. Find out more about the 2025 Best Bar None awards here.
Become a Best Bar None accredited business
Best Bar None Chesterfield offers several benefits to businesses who become accredited:
- provides businesses with an official, independent award that shows customers how hard they work to provide a safe and welcoming place to visit
- builds a positive relationship between businesses and all partners that work together to ensure Chesterfield is a safe place to socialise
- supports efforts to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder
- allows businesses to share ideas on what can be done to improve night time safety
All licensed premises in the town are invited to apply for the Best Bar None accreditation.
Venues that apply will be assessed against four themes:
- venue management: assesses security measures and steps taken to reduce noise, litter and other effects the business may have
- staff training and care: considers how staff are supported by the business to perform their role, develop and grow, and to protect their wellbeing
- customer safety and welfare: reviews how well the venue takes care of its customers including preventing alcohol being sold to those under 18
- customer service and community: recognises that businesses work hard to provide a warm welcome to their customers and the communities they are part of
The accreditation lasts for a year, and the assessment is regularly updated to ensure current national priorities are included.
Every accredited business receives a personalised report with advice and ideas about how to provide an even safer and more welcoming place for customers to have fun and socialise.
You can sign your business up to the Best Bar None scheme by contacting our licensing team at glenn.holden@chesterfield.gov.uk or by calling 01246 345230.