DEDICATED bar staff were recognised for their commitment to keeping Weymouth safe.

The second annual Best Bar None scheme held its awards ceremony at Yates.

And the Closet scooped top marks, coming in as the overall winner.

Best Bar None is a national accreditation and aims to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder by promoting positive links between local authorities, police and licensees.

The scheme is going from strength to strength, with a total of 15 businesses signed up - four more than last year.

Any businesses who want to sign up can apply from January.

Cllr Drake, community safety briefholder for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “I would like to congratulate The Closet for being the winners of the Best Bar None Awards. I would also like to thank all the businesses that have signed up to the scheme who have done a great job of making sure our residents and visitors have a good night out and I am glad we could celebrate the great work with these awards.

“With more licensees joining the scheme each year we can only go from strength to strength and continue our work with the help of partners to make sure everyone who has a night out in the Weymouth has an enjoyable and even safer experience.”

The award assessment is based on a bronze, silver and gold marking. In Weymouth, no premises received bronze, two received silver and 13 received gold ranking.

The scheme is designed to benefit both trade and the general public, by sharing good practice and creating a safer environment.

A spokesman for the borough council said other benefits are a potential reduction in public liability insurance, improved confidence for customers, an improved public image for the town and improved relationships with Dorset Police, the borough council and licensing authorities.

For more information about the scheme, call the borough council’s Licensing Team on 01305 838000 or go to www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/licensing/alcohol-entertainment-licence

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