THE efforts of bars and clubs in Taunton to help make the town a safer place to visit at night were commended at an awards evening held this week.

The event, organised by Taunton Pub Watch, was centred around the pioneering 'Drink Safe Be Safe' initiative and the 3 Strikes scheme, which are both backed by the County Gazette.

Over the last year, the initiative has been adopted by many premises in the town and has been recognised nationally as a success.

It is also supported by Taunton Deane Council, Somerset County Council, Avon and Somerset Police, Taunton Town Centre and Taunton Deane Crime and Disorder Partnership.

The initiative has a number of standards and criteria to be met, from encouraging premises to serve alcoholic drinks in plastic or toughened glasses, preventing irresponsible drinks promotions, no smoking at the bar and an anti-drugs policy agreed by the police and local authority put in force.

A judging panel carried out a series of inspections on premises both when the scheme was first launched in October 2004 and most recently for the final judging.

Certificates and bespoke plaques were presented on a star basis, with the Best Overall Winners being named The Moat House.

The bar, on Corporation Street, was awarded five stars, and given a cheque for £500 donated by Taunton Deane Council.

Wine bar Brazz was also awarded five stars.