The deadline for Gloucester's licensed premises to enter the award-winning Best Bar None scheme is fast approaching.

The aim of the BBN industry awards is to promote a safe, vibrant and customer-friendly evening and night time economy, and to recognise local businesses that have successfully put responsible drinking policies into place at their establishments.

Recognised businesses that go above and beyond in their categories will be announced at the gala awards dinner in January 2018. The deadline for applications is September 30.

Last year, the winners included Bar Fever, The Abbey, Café Rene, One Eyed Jacks, The Turmot-Hoer, Gloucester Guildhall and Butlers.

Caroline Bishop, manager at the Turmot-Hoer, said: "It was brilliant to be involved in the Best Bar None Awards last year and to be recognised as the best family pub on our first attempt was the icing on the cake."

Councillor Jennie Watkins, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods at Gloucester City Council, said: "The Best Bar None awards were a great success last year and we are thrilled to see so much interest from local businesses again this year. It really does go to show we're all pulling together to make the city an even safer place to be at night time.

"We are delighted that our licensed premises in the city have a responsible attitude to safe and sensible drinking. It's fantastic that Best Bar None will reward them for their efforts."

Justin Hudson, Manager of Butlers and 'Gold' winner of BBN, said: "Winning Gloucester's prestigious Best Bar None Scheme for two years consecutively has been an absolute honour.

"We've embraced the challenges outset by the scheme and bettered our internal practices and protocols which have had a hugely positive effect on our customers. The scheme benefits our individual customer base as well as improving the customer experience within our City."

The Gloucester Best Bar None scheme is the first one in the county and is run by Gloucester City Council with support from the Gloucestershire Police Commissioner's Office, Safer Gloucester, Gloucester BID and Marketing Gloucester.

Picture caption: last year's winners Butlers Venue Bar with Cllr Jennie Watkins at the award ceremony