Wakefield BID has officially launched Best Bar None Wakefield – a national Home Office–backed accreditation scheme that recognises and supports well-managed, safe, and responsible night-time venues.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with West Yorkshire Police, Wakefield Community Safety Partnership, and Urban Spark Group, and forms a key strand of Safer Wakefield – the city’s growing safety and resilience initiative.
The launch event brought together venues from across Wakefield, signalling a shared ambition to make the city one of the safest and most welcoming nights out in the region.
Championing Safety and Raising Standards
Participating venues will be assessed across a range of standards, including:
- Staff training and welfare
- Customer safety and vulnerability management
- Venue management and operational procedures
- Security measures and incident reporting
- Partnership working and information sharing
Venues that meet the criteria will be officially accredited and promoted as part of Wakefield’s high-quality night-time offer.
Getting Involved
Licensed venues in Wakefield city centre that want to take part in Best Bar None can now register their interest. The process is designed to be supportive and constructive, giving venues clear guidance, independent assessment and practical feedback to help them demonstrate good practice and continue improving standards.
Venues can register directly online or find out more about what’s involved, the benefits of accreditation and how the scheme works locally by visiting the Best Bar None member benefits page on the Wakefield BID website: https://www.wakefieldbid.co.uk/member-benefits/bbn/
Wakefield BID Leading the Partnership
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, said:
“Our night-time venues are a huge part of what makes Wakefield vibrant, welcoming, and full of life. Best Bar None allows us to recognise the brilliant work already happening across the city while supporting venues to continue raising standards.
This is also about giving businesses the tools and confidence to handle the challenges they face – from crime and disorder to customer vulnerability. Through Safer Wakefield, we’re bringing partners together, sharing intelligence, and making sure venues feel backed, supported, and connected.”
West Yorkshire Police Back the Scheme
Inspector Paul Fraser, West Yorkshire Police, said:
“Best Bar None strengthens the partnership approach we already have in Wakefield. Our night-time venues play a crucial role in keeping people safe, and this accreditation gives them a framework that supports strong decision making, better reporting, and consistent standards across the city.
We welcome this initiative and will continue working closely with Wakefield BID and our licensed premises to ensure Wakefield remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.”
Wakefield Community Safety Partnership Funds the Programme
Cllr Daniel Wilton, on behalf of the Wakefield Community Safety Partnership, said:
“We are pleased to fund the delivery of Best Bar None in Wakefield as part of our commitment to strengthening safety across the district.
The scheme gives venues the support, guidance, and structure they need to raise standards and protect both staff and customers. By working with Wakefield BID, West Yorkshire Police, and our night-time businesses, we’re helping to create a safer and more confident city centre for everyone.”
Urban Spark Supporting Delivery and Accreditation
Elizabeth Murphy, Urban Spark Group, said:
“We’re proud to support Wakefield in delivering Best Bar None as part of wider improvements in safety, resilience, and partnership working.
The city’s venues have shown real ambition to raise standards, and this scheme helps them demonstrate best practice while ensuring staff and customers feel protected. Wakefield is setting a strong example of how collaboration can transform the night-time experience.”
A Safer, Stronger Wakefield for All
The scheme will run through early 2026, with accredited venues announced at a celebration event next year.
Any night-time venue within the Wakefield BID area is encouraged to take part.
For More Information
📧 saferwakefield@wakefieldbid.co.uk
