An appeal will not lower a score
A genuine correction request, mediation case or appeal does not create a negative score. We do not show private mediation details to an audit reviewer unless a separate lawful process allows it.
Decision letter
Bars.co.uk explains the decision, the reason, the evidence used, the start date and the appeal deadline.
Venue reply
An authorised venue representative can point out a process error or send relevant evidence.
Fresh review
A reviewer who was not involved in the first decision checks the record against the standard used at the time.
Written result
The venue receives the result and any correction. We keep a record of the review.
Decisions that can be reviewed
- an audited answer or score;
- a refusal, suspension, withdrawal or expiry under the Responsible Community Venue Standard;
- a decision that a required statement or mediation contact was missing;
- a decision not to move a certification to a new operator or venue identity;
- exclusion from a ranking because of certification status or information used in the calculation.
What to send
Email appeals@bars.co.uk. Include the venue's public ID, the decision reference, what you want us to change and a short reason.
Only attach evidence about the rule or process you are appealing. Do not email customer details, private mediation messages or sensitive personal information. We will provide a secure way to send it if the reviewer needs it.
Possible outcomes
The reviewer may keep the decision, correct a process or calculation error, ask for a focused new check, change the public audit summary or restore a status. They may also ask Bars.co.uk to review a wider problem with the rules.
Payment never affects the reviewer. We add a dated note when an appeal changes public information. A saved annual ranking only changes through this recorded correction process.
Other complaints
To complain about how we ran a private mediation, use the review route in the mediation service. Send legal, licensing or food safety matters to the right public body. Call 999 in an emergency.