COUNCIL chiefs have highlighted the number of schemes available in Bolton which help to support a safer night out.

The initiatives, supported by Bolton Council and their partners, are in place to ensure everyone can have fun, enjoy themselves and stay safe while out and about in the borough.

One of the most well-known schemes, among both customers and the licensed trade, is Best Bar None.

Best Bar None (BBN) is an accreditation scheme which is supported by the Home Office and drinks industry, operating in a host of boroughs, including Bolton, around the north west and beyond.

It aims to improve standards in the evening and night-time economy wherever it is in operation.

This is achieved through a combination of responsible management and operation of licensed premises, ongoing improvements, and social responsibility.

Supporters say that Best Bar None’s chief goal is to help provide a safer night out to all.

Bolton first launched it’s BBN scheme in Bolton town centre in January 2017. The scheme was originally purely town centre focussed.

However, due to the success and interest from other licensees elsewhere, it was extended to be a borough-wide project in 2018.

Since the launch the council has had a number of successes including winning both ‘Best New Scheme’ and ‘Most Innovative Scheme’ at the BBN national awards.

The council has also provided funding towards outdoor defibrillators in both Westhoughton and Bolton Town Centre as part of the initative.

The scheme also offers ongoing support and has delivered numerous training sessions for licensed premises and security staff in the town centre and these are also now being extended to cover all other areas of the borough.