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.

The event, organised by Taunton Pubwatch, 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.