Wrexham has been awarded 'Most Innovative Scheme' in this year's prestigious 'National Best Bar None Awards'.

The Awards, which are a national scheme promoting partnership working between the pub/bar trade, the police and local authorities, took place at a special parliamentary reception at the House of Lords on Monday.

Backed by the Home Office, Best Bar None has been working collaboratively with the alcohol industry, local authorities and the police for over 15 years. It promotes responsible drinking and higher professional licensing standards in bars, pubs, hotels, clubs and entertainment venues in over 70 towns and cities across the UK.

The competition carries a prize fund of over £5,000 split across three categories; 'Best Overall Scheme', presented to the scheme that has had the biggest impact on the local area (£3,000); 'Most Innovative Scheme', awarded to the most creative concept or initiative introduced to make a difference in the local area (£1,000) and 'Best New Scheme', open to any scheme that has been running for less than 18 months (£1,000)

Wrexham's Best Bar None scheme was launched in 2013 and is supported by the council, North Wales Police Service and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The scheme has committed to delivering a number of different initiatives to tackle 'pre-drinking', drug dealing and child exploitation.

The judges were impressed by the scheme’s participation in STAD in Europe (SiE), which aims to reduce binge drinking and associated harms in young people. Wrexham has delivered this programme with limited resources and minimal budget. With a specific focus on addressing pre-loading, Wrexham awards Best Bar None credits to encourage licensees to deliver the ‘Drink Less, Enjoy More’ (DLEM) initiative, aimed at reducing the propensity for bar staff to serve people who are drunk.

Coordinator for the Wrexham scheme, Alison Watkin, picked up the trophy, certificate and £1,000 prize fund, from chairman of Best Bar None, Lord Smith of Hindhead, and Guy Mason, Head of Public Affairs, Heineken UK.

National Coordinator for Best Bar None, Mick McDonnell, said: “Wrexham’s focus on public health is commendable. They have introduced thorough training for licensees, which highlights the legalities of serving alcohol to people when drunk, as well as addressing issues of vulnerability and customer safety. Congratulations to everyone involved."