Pubs sign up for disorder scheme

Pubs across Angus have been asked to sign up to the scheme

Pubs across Angus have been urged to join a new crackdown on alcohol misuse.

The Best Bar None scheme is part of the Focus on Alcohol Angus project which aims to co-ordinate and develop new projects to tackle alcohol abuse.

Owners of licensed premises will be asked to rate their pub or club on various factors such as prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.

Assessors will visit pubs and clubs before deciding on an overall winner and allocating awards.

All the premises which meet the Best Bar None standards will be awarded a bronze award and will have a plaque to display in their premises.

Angus Provost Bill Middleton said: "Dealing with alcohol issues needs people to work in partnership.

"This new scheme will help those running licensed premises to be part of that partnership. It will also help us all to recognise well run premises and visit them with confidence."

Bill Harkins, temporary assistant chief constable at Tayside Police, said: "I have seen the scheme in operation elsewhere and it makes an important contribution to reducing the risk of alcohol related harm, disorder and crime in our communities."