AN AWARDS scheme to crack down on alcohol-related crime and boost Selby's night time economy will be launched next month.

Plans for the Best Bar None scheme, to increase safety and good service in pubs and clubs across the district, were sent to landlords this week.

Under the proposals, pubs and clubs will be given awards to show the venue is safe and backing efforts to curb booze-fuelled disorder.

Tim Grogan, district council licensing officer, pictured, said: "Selby has improved massively with its crime figures since the introduction of the licensing powers.

"But we do not want to rest on our laurels; we want to improve on that. This scheme sponsors good housekeeping and good practice and makes people improve themselves."

Landlords will have to detail how they help reduce drugs, binge drinking and drunken disorder, as well as information on public safety and reducing noise and litter.

Pubs and clubs that are up to standard will be given a plaque to display - similar to AA star awards for guest houses - and an overall winner will be announced.

Mr Grogan said the scheme had proven a huge success in Manchester and Leeds and could boost the town's economy by encouraging people to visit Selby's nightspots.

He said: "We want people to come into Selby because it is a nice place to be at night, not to see dirty, filthy pubs.

"There are some pubs in the town that are better to drink in and more welcoming than others.

"When people realise it is a very safe place to go out more people will be happy to visit the town in the evening."

The scheme, run by the Selby District Community Safety Partnership, will be launched at the town hall on April 11.

Venues will be judged by a team of licensing officers, community safety chiefs, police and fire safety officers. The first awards ceremony will be held in September.

Ian Wright, chairman of Pubwatch, said: "I am certain it will be a good, positive thing for Selby because it will help some of the licensees up their game.

"It may raise the profile of Selby and I am hoping it will bring more trade to the town and maybe encourage some of the older people back into the town."

Coun Ruth Sayner, chairwoman of the district council's licensing committee, said: "I think it is an excellent idea. It will benefit the town because it will encourage the licences to improve their premises."

Updated: 11:32 Monday, March 20, 2006