A scheme to reduce pub violence while promoting bars could be on the way back in Moray.
The council’s licensing committee yesterday unanimously backed reintroducing the Best Bar None national scheme, which tries to create a safer environment across pubs and clubs.
It comes a day after the Press and Journal revealed police in Elgin were being “pushed to the limit” with some stations left with no cover.
Despite the shortages, bars in the town believe licensed premises are already safe, with problems in the street being more of a concern.
Sarah Ross, manager of the Rising Sun, said: “At the moment we all sort of look after ourselves. If there’s an idiot heading up the street towards another pub then we’ll let them know.
“These are the sorts of things that have more effect in town centre pubs, where people will look at you funny if you try to start a conversation.
“The police will probably pop their heads in once a week. That’s about all we need really.”
Representatives from the police and fire services will be on the local Best Bar None board once it is established.
The scheme was initially launched in Moray in 2014 but did not continue the following year. Now Elgin Bid and the region’s Alcohol and Drug Partnership are proposing to bring it back.
Licensing committee chairman Ron Shepherd backed the programme, believing it to be a “big help”.
Gill Neil, manager of Elgin Bid, said: “It’s about recognising the bars that are going above and beyond what they are required to do for their licence, whether it’s offering additional services or being easily accessible.
“Moray is an amazing place and award winners from here would go forward to a national ceremony, which would get national recognition for the work being done here.”
Once the scheme is re-established in Elgin it is hoped it will be rolled out across the rest of the region.
Mike Taylor, owner of the Kirkie, said: “At the moment I don’t see what the benefits would be that I don’t have already. The police will visit the bar occasionally to check on things and I know they’re going to be there if I need them.”
