HAVERING NIGHTLIFE AWARDS GET NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Havering Council has come runner-up in a national award scheme which aims to improve the night time environment and reduce alcohol related disorder. The Council was one of four that made it to the final of the Best Bar None awards on Wednesday 14 October – beating 91 other entries.

Havering was one of three runners-up in the ‘Most Innovative Scheme’ award which is presented each year. The Council made the final after the success of the Havering Nightlife Awards which this year attracted more than 32,000 votes from the public - four times as many as last year when 8,000 people voted.

The nightlife awards, now in their third year, recognise businesses which offer a welcoming and safe night time environment through good management and an active commitment to discourage antisocial behaviour.

Havering Council was also shortlisted in the BT Visit London Awards. The Nightlife Awards was shortlisted in the Corporate Event of the Year category. And the Council also reached the final of another prestigious national award - the Responsible Drinks Retailing Awards, for Most Innovative Scheme.

The Nightlife Awards was introduced to encourage the entertainment industry to appeal to a wide range of customers. Categories include best family venue, best customer service, best after work venue and best DJ team.

The scheme is part of the work the Council does with the police and licensees to drive down antisocial behaviour and encourage a diverse range of venues that attract all sections of the community.

Cllr Peter Gardner, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:

"We are delighted that the Havering Nightlife Awards are receiving national recognition. We have been working hard with the police and licensed trade to reduce alcohol related disorder. We know that drunken disorder has fallen – now the rest of the country does too. It’s great to know that all our work is paying off as reducing antisocial behaviour is one of our Living Ambition goals."