Five Watford bars have been accredited for ensuring the safety and welfare of customers.

The Moon Under Water, The Garden Rooms, Pryzm nightclub, Walkabout, and The Colombia Press all successfully acheived Best Bar None accreditation.

The voluntary Home Office supported scheme aims to promote responsible management and reward excellence in licensed premises.

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Assessor John Hattingh said: “Every one of these venues impressed me. They could all demonstrate they had the required policies in place and were doing more than just the basics required by their license.

“They all recognised how important this accreditation was to them and their ability to attract customers in. Well done to all of them.

“As more venues get involved, Best Bar None will undoubtedly raise the standards across Watford.”

Watford Observer: The Moon under Water, Walkabout The Moon under Water, Walkabout (Image: Watford BID)

The Watford Best Bar None scheme is run by Watford BID and supported by Pubwatch, Hertfordshire Police and Watford Borough Council.

The venues had to meet over 80 standards with assessment split into two categories - essential and bonus.

Watford BID chief executive Maria Manion said: “Watford’s town centre bars and restaurants are very well run and have policies in place that ensure their staff are well supported and the safety and welfare of their customers is a top priority, therefore it is important that they have the opportunity to demonstrate this and get recognition for it.

Watford Observer: PRYZM, Columbia PressPRYZM, Columbia Press (Image: Watford BID)

“We are so pleased all the applicants were successful and we hope more venues will put themselves forward for the accreditation next year.”

All of the participating venues achieved a score of 85% or greater and were provided with a report showing the areas they are doing well in and if there are ways they can improve.

Carrie-Anne Hunt-McBride from Walkabout Watford said: “Our Best Bar None certificate is fantastic validation of the hard work put in by all of our staff to ensure Walkabout is as safe and customer-friendly as can be.

Watford Observer: The Garden RoomsThe Garden Rooms (Image: Watford BID)“We’re delighted to have achieved this official recognition, and the fact that four other venues have achieved recognition is testament to the partnership working between venues and local authorities.”

Manager of The Moon Under Water Kwame Tefe said: “We are proud to display the Best Bar None certificate, as it shows that The Moon Under Water is a safe pub, doing everything we should be doing to look after our customers and our staff.

“Best Bar None is a really important accreditation and we are delighted to have achieved it.”

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