Rock City Nottingham Honored for Exemplary Customer Safety and Welfare

Rock City in Nottingham, UK, has been praised for its commitment to customer welfare by Best Bar None, the UK’s national accreditation program assessing venues for their commitment to excellence in safety, customer service, and responsible alcohol management practices.

Rock City in Nottingham is the flagship venue of DHP Family with a storied history stretching back more than four decades. The 2,000-capacity venue stages 100 gigs a year alongside a vibrant program of events and club nights.

DHP Family introduced dedicated welfare staff to help customers feel safe, supported and looked after during event nights all year round. Now their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment has been recognized by Best Bar None with a special Judges’ Recognition Award for their outstanding efforts.

Rock City’s award-winning welfare provision grew out of the original Drink Aware Club Crew initiative, created to provide support for those in need including vulnerable customers alongside the venue medic.

Following Covid, the role evolved into a Welfare Team of eight staff led by a welfare supervisor. It forms part of DHP Family’s wider commitment across Nottingham’s night-time economy to create a safe and welcoming environment for residents, visitors and students.

On club nights the team works throughout the venue, maintaining a permanent welfare desk while also carrying out regular welfare patrols. They look out for vulnerable or intoxicated customers, helping people reconnect with friends, charge phones and arrange safe journeys home, providing water, sick bags and ongoing monitoring for customers who are unwell and supporting the venue medic during first aid incidents.

Nottingham itself has been performing great in past safety assessments, retaining the so-called Purple Flag status for 15 consecutive years, a nationally recognized accreditation awarded to places where businesses, local authorities, police and other partners work together to promote safety, wellbeing and a vibrant evening economy.

Rock City’s Best Bar None accreditation will only bolster Nottingham’s status as one of the UK’s safest, vibrant and diverse cities to enjoy a night out in.

Nottingham City Councillor David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the outstanding work being carried out by Rock City’s welfare team and highlights Nottingham’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive night-time economy.

“Nottingham is proud to be a city that attracts students, residents, and visitors from across the UK and beyond. Ensuring people feel safe when enjoying a night out is essential to maintaining our reputation as a vibrant and welcoming destination.

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“Achievements such as this demonstrate the vital role that local businesses play in helping Nottingham retain its Purple Flag status. The commitment shown by venues like Rock City to investing in customer welfare and safety goes above and beyond what is expected and sets a positive example for the wider sector.

“Rock City’s dedicated welfare provision is a particularly innovative initiative, providing practical support and reassurance to customers and helping create an environment where everyone can enjoy themselves safely.

“This success is also a reflection of the strong partnership working that exists across Nottingham. The City Council, Nottinghamshire Police, venues, Pubwatch, our universities, Nottingham BID and many other partners continue to work together to promote safety, wellbeing, and responsible enjoyment of the city at night. Together, we are helping ensure Nottingham remains one of the safest and most welcoming destinations for residents, students and visitors alike.”

Michele Somers, Director of Risk and Culture, DHP Family, said: “We’re incredibly proud that Rock City’s Welfare Team has received this recognition. Keeping people safe has always been at the heart of what we do, and our dedicated welfare provision is something that sets Rock City apart. This award is a testament to the hard work, compassion and professionalism they show every single night.”

Welfare supervisor Rikki Griffin said: “I am proud of the whole team and it feels great to be recognised for all the hard work we’ve put in and how much the role has grown in recent years. Having a welfare team has made a difference to Rock City because people know that they can come to us if something goes wrong and they do not have to deal with it alone.”

Max Coulson, welfare team, said: “Having a welfare team means Rock City can offer more than just a good night out. It means people can feel safe, supported and looked after whilst they’re here. It helps make Rock City a place where people feel comfortable coming back, knowing that their safety and wellbeing are taken seriously.”

Orla Mcilfartrick, welfare team, added: “We’re not only here for our customers but to help safeguard our colleagues and make their place of work feel safer.”

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_Originally reported by [Pollstar](https://news.pollstar.com/2026/09/16/rock-city-uk-awarded-for-keeping-customers-safe-well/)._