The hunt is on for Croydon’s best pubs and clubs as the council launches its annual Best Bar None scheme.

Now in its seventh year, the scheme promotes responsible management among Croydon’s drinking holes with the aim of reducing drink-related crime and disorder associated with night-time revellers.

The 2010 awards are being launched at the Green Dragon, last year’s overall winner, on Tuesday.

Owners and licensees from pubs, clubs and bars across the borough have been invited to take part in the scheme run by the council and the police.

Establishments taking part will have to prove they have safe and well managed premises when staff from the council’s licensing team and the police visit to carry out an inspection.

Those that meet the required standards will be presented with a certificate and plaque at an awards ceremony later this year.

An independent panel of judges will select the overall winners and runners up which will be announced on the night. Categories include best bar, best club and best pub.

Councillor Gavin Barwell, cabinet member for safety and cohesion, said: “The fact that Croydon’s Best Bar None scheme is now in its seventh year just goes to show how popular and successful it has become.

“It has made a real difference to our town centre in the evenings, by giving licensees a real incentive to take responsibility for safety around their premises, and prove they run safe and well managed bars, pubs and clubs.”

Borough commander, chief superintendent Adrian Roberts, said: “Since the launch of the Best Bar None scheme in 2003 we have seen a significant reduction in alcohol related crime and disorder in and around licensed premises in the town centre.

“The scheme is part of a whole package of measures that the council and the police have put in place to make Croydon town centre a safer and more attractive place to visit, and we know that they are working. ”