Pubs, bars, clubs, hotel bars and specialist entertainment venues across Aberdeen are being invited to apply for Best Bar None accreditation, a national scheme that promotes safer, more welcoming nightlife.
Best Bar None works in partnership with the licensed trade to improve public safety, customer care and standards across the nighttime economy, helping to make Aberdeen a safer and more attractive city for residents and visitors.
Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “It is important that we all do our part to ensure that Aberdeen’s nightlife continues to thrive, whilst promoting the safety of residents and visitors.
“The Best Bar None scheme will encourage venues to continually raise their standards, ensuring that our city remains a leading example of excellence in the night-time economy.”
Martin Widerlechner, director at McGinty’s Group, said: “We are delighted to see the Best Bar None scheme return. I would encourage as many places as possible to participate.
“Best Bar None is also a fantastic opportunity for venues to raise their profile, showcase their best practise, all while creating a network of shared experience and knowledge. And, let’s not forget, there’s the chance to be part of the Aberdeen Best Bar None awards, with a shot at some national titles.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “It goes without saying that the hospitality sector in Aberdeen is already the best bar none in terms of the passion, dedication, professionalism and skill on show in our pubs and bars.
“The Best Bar None scheme can only help to cement the reputation of the city centre as a safe, welcoming and vibrant place to visit. The initiative is a key platform for making the experience of a night out on the heart of the Granite City even more enjoyable and safer for all.”
The scheme focuses on public safety and customer care, giving each licensed venue the opportunity to prove that they meet a certain standard of operation.
Benefits for participating venues include:
- Raising the profile of your venue and Aberdeen as a safe place where people can enjoy a fantastic night out;
- The opportunity to show to staff and customers that your venue has an interest in their safety and security on a night out;
- Access to professional advice on community safety, crime reduction and business continuity issues for management and staff, and;
- The chance to receive an inspection by a qualified assessor to identify good practice and receive advice on a wide range of issues.
Venues will also have the chance to attend the Aberdeen Best Bar None awards ceremony, with the best premises in each category being nominated for the Best Bar None Scotland National Awards in 2027.
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Interested venues should submit an application form by Friday 3 July 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit: Aberdeen Best Bar None
