Preface to Best Bar None: Why This Book Matters

My journey as a law enforcement officer led me to witness the remarkable success of a Community Coalition initiative spearheaded by the Wellspring Center for Prevention. This initiative, which focused on tackling drug and alcohol-related accidents and injuries, thrived on the power of community relationships and collaboration. Instead of assigning blame solely to drug and alcohol sources, the initiative advocated for collective action from the entire community to mitigate risks. This approach, which underscored the importance of comprehensive efforts over sector-specific solutions, is a beacon of inspiration for communities worldwide.

Upon my retirement, I transitioned into the role of subject matter expert on the actions and inactions of proprietors, supervisors, and staff members in alcohol-licensed establishments. As an expert, I must substantiate my viewpoints with evidence. During my research, I uncovered the Best Bar None initiative that had been implemented in the United Kingdom. The United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) studied this initiative in 2019 (Mastoras, 2019). According to the USDOJ Office of Community-Oriented Policing:1

“Best Bar None is an accreditation scheme with national awards supported by the UK Home Office and the drinks industry, which is aimed primarily at promoting responsible management and operation of alcohol-licensed premises. It was piloted in Manchester, England, in 2003 and found to improve standards in the evening and nighttime economy…”

As part of the USDOJ study, the Arlington County (Virginia) Police Department (ACPD) instituted the Arlington Restaurant Initiative (ARI) based on Best Bar None concepts. The ARI, a practical application of the Best Bar None initiative, was designed to establish and promote relationships between restaurants and alcohol-licensed establishments, local authorities, and the community by promoting responsible alcohol management. The Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy at George Mason University evaluated the ARI. It concluded that it significantly reduced alcohol-related incidents and improved the overall safety and quality of the nightlife areas.

“With a long-term commitment, jurisdictions can add strategies to address quality-of-life crimes. Establishing trust with the primary stakeholders allows jurisdictions to implement an accreditation program and develop a unified strategy to manage alcohol-related harm in nightlife areas. This approach builds mutually beneficial relationships between the jurisdiction agencies, community, and businesses. A commitment by all stakeholders can have a positive outcome for all: businesses want increased economic viability, the jurisdiction aims to reduce resources spent on alcohol-related harm, and the residents deserve a livable community.”

Bars and other establishments that serve alcohol often encounter significant legal challenges nationally, as improper operations of an alcohol service establishment can lead to severe, sometimes fatal outcomes. Despite these dangers, only a few states mandate training for licensed premises. This Best Bar None, The Industry Standard blend of high risk due to improper actions of alcoholic beverage managers, servers, and security officers and the absence of training presents a situation that endangers public safety and businesses’ financial stability. The Best Bar None program seeks to mitigate these risks by educating everyone involved with alcohol service establishments, aiming to decrease harm and injuries within the community.

My experience, education, and training have led to this publication. I truly believe that the Best Bar None initiative can serve as a catalyst for collaboration between multiple industries, including law enforcement, alcohol-licensed establishments, and community leaders. I hope that by writing Best Bar None, The Industry Standard, we can bring communities together to promote healthy nightlife activities and assist local economies in thriving.