A NEW scheme has been launched to recognise Inverclyde’s best boozers after the idea received unanimous backing from licensing bosses.

The Best Bar None initiative is a joint partnership between Inverclyde Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and aims to promote good practice and safety in the area’s pubs and clubs.

It will see authorities work closely with staff and management from licensed premises throughout the district to help enhance customer service and create high standards of service and safety for customers.

The end result will be awards for the best performing bars, showing customers they have set the benchmark for standards, service and safety.

They will be handed out at a prizegiving ceremony in February next year after inspections of premises are carried out and bars scored on their performance.

The thinking behind the idea — which has proved a hit elsewhere — was explained to councillors at a recent Licensing Board meeting.

Council official Stewart McKenzie, from safer and inclusive communities, said: “It has been very successful in Glasgow, Renfrewshire and central Scotland.” Provost Robert Moran is backing the new initiative, which was formally launched at a seminar held in Greenock for the licensing trade this week.

He said: “I certainly welcome this initiative.

“There’s a lot of pubs and clubs out there that are well run and this is an opportunity to reward them. It’s a great initiative and I fully support it.” It’s hoped that the Best Bar None project will raise standards by rewarding good management of venues.

Pubs and clubs will be judged on their success in key areas such as preventing crime and disorder, securing public safety and preventing nuisance to neighbours.

It’s hoped that all licensed premises in Inverclyde will sign up to the scheme.