Blue Lounge loses Best Bar None status

Blue Lounge loses status

The Blue Lounge has been stripped of its Best Bar None status after ignoring warnings from local authorities about failing to comply with licensing laws.

Town Centre Manager, Debbie O’Brien said: “Unfortunately in this case we have been left with no alternative than to remove the Blue Lounge’s Best Bar None status for 2009/2010,” but she conceded that the bar will have the opportunity to regain elevated status as long as standards are improved.

The bar was brought to review after a serious assault on a 27-year-old man on 15 May 2010. The Council’s Licensing Committee also imposed shorter opening hours on the establishment.

Best Bar None rewards licensees who maintain a safe, enjoyable environment in bars and discourage binge-drinking and alcohol-related crime.

Beverley Wilkinson, Licensing Manager at Rochdale Borough Council, emphasises that only deserving licensees will gain the status, she said: “We’re committed to providing a safe environment for all our customers working in partnership with licensees. In the cases where premises aren’t performing up to standard we’ll take whatever action is necessary to maintain public safety.”