Sheffield Business Improvement District

Join our Home-office backed scheme for well-run night time premises

Sheffield City Council, in partnership with Sheffield BID and South Yorkshire Police, leads on Sheffield’s Best Bar None scheme, which is now entering into its 13th year in 2024/25.

Best Bar None is a national Home Office supported accreditation scheme recognising responsible licensing practice in line with the four core licensing objectives.

Venue management: assesses security measures and steps taken to reduce noise, litter and other effects the business may have.
Staff training and care: considers how staff are supported by the business to perform their role, develop and grow, and to protect their wellbeing.
Customer safety and welfare: reviews how well the venue takes care of its customers including preventing alcohol being sold to those under 18.
Customer service and community: recognises that businesses work hard to provide a warm welcome to their customers and the communities they are part of.

Historically, the local scheme has been open to premises operating within the city centre ring road although we are looking to extend this to other interested premises outside of the city centre.

It culminates annually in an awards ceremony which celebrates the achievement of all of the premises.

Best Bar None Sheffield offers several benefits to the city centre and our businesses who become accredited:

Provides businesses with an official, independent award that shows customers how hard they work to provide a safe and welcoming place to visit.
Builds a positive relationship between businesses and all partners that work together to ensure the city centre is a safe place to enjoy social time.
Supports efforts to reduce crime and disorder.
Gives businesses ideas to enhance the work they already do.

Accreditation lasts for a year, and the assessment is regularly updated to ensure current priorities such as the safety of women and girls are included.