Entries are now being sought for the 2015 Aberdeenshire Best Bar None awards, a Scottish initiative aimed at combatting alcohol related crime.

All licensed premises in the area are encouraged to take part in the scheme to help Aberdeenshire's night-time economy flourish and keep the public safe whilst enjoying the area's pubs, bars and clubs.

Administered nationally by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre but run locally, Best Bar None Aberdeenshire is a joint partnership between Aberdeenshire Council, the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Belhaven Pubs and the Scottish Licensing Trade Association.

The scheme is helping to create a safer drinking environment across Scotland for everyone involved - the wider community, customers, owners, licensees and bar staff, as well as police, fire and other partner agencies.

It focuses on safety and customer care and gives each licensed venue the opportunity to prove it meets the standard of safety and service set by the government and alcohol industry.

Jenny Wylie, Community Safety Officer, said:

"Aberdeenshire has been involved in the Best Bar None scheme since 2007 and we are delighted that it is going ahead again this year.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for premises to demonstrate their dedication in running establishments in a professional, safe and caring manner and for those premises to receive accolade for this.

"The invitations for this year's scheme have just been distributed and I would urge all premises to get involved so we can continue to make Aberdeenshire a safe place for all."

The scheme will see authorities working closely with staff and management from licensed premises throughout Aberdeenshire to help them bring their bar or pub up to the required standard.

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

The end result will be gold, silver or bronze awards for the best performing bars, along with a display plaque, which will be handed out at a local awards ceremony in October 2015.

Cllr Jim Gifford, Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Board, said:

"This is a most-welcomed partnership initiative and has done a lot to promote and support the culture of responsible drinking.

"Aberdeenshire is lucky to have so many well-run premises in which we can enjoy a great night out, some of which have received awards already.

"I'm looking forward to seeing many more taking up the challenge to be the Best Bar None in Aberdeenshire."

Best Bar None is sponsored nationally by Diageo, Molson Coors, Heineken, Tennents, Maxxium UK and Chivas Brothers, but local sponsorship is currently being sought for the Aberdeenshire initiative and can be provided in cash, prizes or in kind.

If you are a license holder wanting to get involved in Best Bar None Aberdeenshire, or are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact:

Community Safety Officer Jenny Wylie at jenny.wylie@aberdeenshire.gov.uk