LICENSED premises in Bromsgrove's town centre will take part in a new award scheme, aimed to improve the night time and evening economy.

Participating bars, pubs and clubs are set to sign up to the Best Bar None programme in coming months, primarily to promote responsible management and operation of alcohol licensed premises.

Bromsgrove District Council, which is heading the scheme, hopes the scheme will reduce anti-social behaviour and crime, and promote Bromsgrove as safe place to enjoy a night out.

Best Bar None is a national award scheme supported by the Home Office, which has been adopted by 75 towns and cities across the UK.

Licensed facilities and partnerships can win awards for going the extra mile to provide revellers a safe place to eat, drink and party.

Bromsgrove District Council’s centres manager Cheryl Welsh said: “This national scheme has proved over the last 15 years that operating more responsibly through sharing best practice, the attractiveness of an area can be greatly improved.

“It also increases the income of participating businesses so it is a win win and I hope more premises join our scheme to put Bromsgrove on the map as a fun, safe and profitable place to be.”

Worcester Road nightclub 57 Monkeys is set to sign up on July 25.

Club owner Mike Taylor, who also chairs the Best Bar None committee, said: "Licensed premises in Bromsgrove experience the same issues so, by working together and improving our own knowledge of regulation and enforcement legislation, we can resolve them.”