Reinvigorating Best Bar None Aberdeen

Callum Kerr

Senior City Warden

Callum Kerr is currently reinvigorating Best Bar None in Aberdeen with the support of partners, read on to see how he’s doing it.

 I recently started with Aberdeen City Council as a Senior City Warden, covering parking, anti-social behaviour, and everything else in between. Through my new position, I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with Best Bar None, taking on the role as scheme coordinator for Aberdeen.

 When I started I wasn't sure of the ins and outs of Best Bar None. After finding out more about it and its aims to promote best practices, reduce crime and reward excellence, I was ready to get stuck in. I was aware that Best Bar None had previously been running in Aberdeen, but due to COVID and other factors it had become less of a priority, we saw the benefits in the scheme and were keen to get it back up and running as were our partners.  

How did I get started?  I employed a back to basics approach, starting the process by just visiting licensed premises within Aberdeen and explaining a bit about Best Bar None, building relationships and seeing if they'd like to come on board. I had a great response on the first day with over 40 premises indicating they were keen to join the scheme. Some of them had been previous members and sold the scheme to me, others were new to it and saw it as fitting in with their own ethos of running safe, inclusive and welcoming venues.

I soon realised I wasn't alone in promoting Best Bar None, Aberdeen Inspired is on board helping to spread the word and organise our local awards night, which I’m sure will be a great event. We also have Police Scotland supporting us locally, as well as the national Best Bar None Police lead, PC Gary Kenhard, he came up to Aberdeen last week to encourage us and help visit interested venues.

 The process to set up a scheme is very simple, it’s basically a case of identifying someone who will act as a coordinator locally (me), then a simple sign up process for venues to complete.  Once this process is in place the premises will be assessed and if they meet the criteria they will be awarded relevant status. There will be a local awards ceremony and where venues are considered outstanding I.E they are going the extra mile, we can nominate them for one of the awards at the National Awards Ceremony.

 I'm excited to see what Best Bar None has in store for the future, and of course, the party at the end of it, i’ll keep you posted on my progress!!

 Callum Kerr, Senior City Warden, Aberdeen