A record nine regional schemes have made it through to the final stages of the 2020 Best Bar None National Awards, it has been announced. The competition will now go into its final stage of judging, ahead of the awards ceremony held at the House of Lords on Tuesday 4th February 2020.
Each of the three awards categories were well represented in the first round of judging, with this instalment of the annual awards seeing a year on year increase in successful applications for Best Overall Scheme, Most Innovative Scheme and Best New Scheme.
The shortlists for each category are:
Best Overall Scheme – presented to the scheme with the biggest impact on its local area.
Sheffield
Torbay
Tower Hamlets
Most Innovative Scheme – awarded to the most creative concept or initiative introduced to make a difference in the local area.
Barnsley
Bolton
Plymouth
Torbay
Best New Scheme – open to any scheme running for less than 18-months.
Cumbria
Worcester
Havering
Lord Smith of Hindhead, Philip Smith, Chairman of Best Bar None, said: “It is always fantastic to see such a good turnout for our annual awards. I want to highlight the importance of commending those schemes that are doing such a wonderful job. The impact that Best Bar None has in towns and cities today – making them safer and more desirable places to go – is relevant and valuable to the entire Hospitality Industry and it is everyone on the ground who we have to thank for that.
“It is particularly encouraging to see both the finalists for ‘Best New Scheme’ last year – Torbay and Barnsley – included in the shortlists for ‘Best Innovative Scheme’ and ‘Best Overall Scheme’ this year. It just goes to show that new schemes are popping up successfully all the time, developing relationships with local authorities and going on to make a big difference within their communities – which is exactly what we want from Best Bar None.”
Best Bar None is a Home Office-backed scheme that sees the alcohol industry working collaboratively with local authorities and the police to promote responsible drinking and higher professional licensing standards in bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants.
Best Bar None has been running for more than 16 years and there are currently active schemes encompassing hundreds of licensed premises over 70 towns and cities in England and Wales, as well as the new Central Scheme, which provides Best Bar None accreditation for operators which are not currently located where a scheme is in place. Premises are audited by trained assessors for operational standards, policies and procedures, as well as the education and training of staff.
– ENDS –
Editors Notes:
- Best Bar None is a national award scheme promoting partnership working between the pub and bar trade, the police and local authorities. Through enhanced professionalism and customer safety, the scheme reduces alcohol related crime, anti-social behaviour and health harms in the areas where it operates. Best Bar None is supported by the Home Office, the Scottish Government, the police and the on-licensed trade.
- Premises are audited for operational standards, policies and procedures, as well as the education and training of staff, in the process of identifying and promoting the best and most innovative practice.
—
For further information, please contact: Nicki Dallison, Leisure PR
Email: nickidallison@leisurepr.co.uk Tel: 020 8605 3544