Glasgow Venues in Running to be Named Best Bar None in Scotland

Eleven Glasgow venues are in the running to be named the nation's best licensed premises.

The pubs, clubs, hotel bars and other venues have been shortlisted as finalists in the Best Bar None Scotland Awards which will take place at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel this evening (March 30th).

The 11 Glasgow venues nominated in this year's awards were selected from among 400 Scottish BBN member premises and excitement is building as the clock ticks down to the presentation ceremony.

There are 10 categories in the prestigious awards which recognise each venue's contribution to safeguarding customer and staff safety while promoting a good night out. Glasgow is represented in eight categories.

The Glasgow finalists are:-

Campus - Nightclub category; Ibrox Stadium, Elior UK and University of Strathclyde Students Union - Specialist Entertainment Venue category; Shettleston Juniors - Heart of the Community category; Hampden Park Stadium - Newcomer; The Garage - Innovation in Social Responsibility; The Crystal Palace, Pub; The Mailcoach - Independent Pub; The Snaffle Bit - Bar; The Croft Bar - Independent Bar and Champagne Central - Hotel Bar.

Eleanor Lee of Community Safety Glasgow which operates the Best Bar None Glasgow scheme said: "It is fantastic that so many Glasgow venues have been named as finalists in the national competition. It is testament to the exceptionally high standards of licensed premises in the city.

"Best Bar None is all about improving quality in licensing and supporting premises to adopt positive management practices in support of a safe night out. I wish all the finalists the best of luck at the awards. Their recognition is well deserved!"

An independent assessor inspects Glasgow's BBN member premises and, if they meet the criteria, they earn a bronze, silver or gold award at the annual gala dinner. Overall gold winners in each category of the regional awards then qualify for the national awards.

Arlene Campbell, National Lead for Best Bar None Scotland, said: "The National Best Bar None Awards continue to grow year on year and it's great to see so many venues from different corners of Scotland being represented.

"Across the country Best Bar None accredited venues are continuously raising standards and as always judging will be difficult given the high calibre of finalists on show.

"I'd like to extend my congratulations to our finalists and wish them all the best on the night."

The focus of the Best Bar None scheme is on public safety and customer care, together with the following key principles: prevention of crime and disorder, securing public safety, prevention of public nuisance, protecting and improving public health and the protection of children from harm.

Accreditation to the scheme shows the venue and its staff have met a level of standards that assures members of the public they will be able to enjoy a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The National Awards recognise best practice, leading to an enhanced experience for customers.

Licensed premises that wish to join Best Bar None are assessed by trained, impartial assessors and applicants are scored according to national guidelines. A panel of judges assess the applications and confirm that all applications have met the required standard. Venues are awarded either a Gold, Silver or Bronze award and an overall winner is selected in each category and go forward to the National Awards.

The Best Bar None scheme, which is sponsored by Diageo, Molson Coors, Heineken, Tennents and Maxxium and Chivas Brothers is an integral part of the Safer Areas Initiatives throughout Scotland.

Drinkaware is the lead sponsor of the national awards and is sponsoring the Innovation in Social Responsibility category. Benevolent Society for Scotland's Licensed Trade (BEN) is sponsoring the Best Newcomer category and SGL / Securigroup are sponsoring the Specialist Entertainment Venue category.

Find out more about Best Bar None Glasgow at www.bbnglasgow.com