Glasgow's Pubs, Clubs & Hotels Vie to Be Named Scotland's Best

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

The pubs, clubs, hotels and other venues have been shortlisted as finalists in the Best Bar None Scotland Awards which will take place at Dunblane Hydro Hotel on Thursday March 29th.

The eight Glasgow venues nominated in this year's awards were selected from among 430 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. The eight Glasgow venues will be competing against 45 other finalists from across Scotland.

The Glasgow finalists are:- The Blythswood Hotel (Hotel category); The Crystal Palace (Pub category); The Mailcoach (Independent Pub category); McNabb's (Bar category); The Croft Bar (Independent Bar category); The Garage (Nightclub category); Strathclyde Students Union (Specialist Entertainment Venue) and Queen Margaret Union (Social Responsibility category).

Eleanor Lee of Community Safety Glasgow which operates the Best Bar None Glasgow scheme said: "We are extremely proud of the eight Glasgow venues shortlisted for the national Best Bar None awards this year. They have worked so hard and deserve to do well. Good luck to each and every one of them!"

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

Arlene Campbell, National Lead for Best Bar None Scotland, said: "The Best Bar None Awards continue to grow year-on-year and it's great to see 53 venues from 16 areas of Scotland represented to showcase the commitment and support these venues offer their customers and local communities. I'd like to congratulate all 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 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 which then go forward to the National Awards.

The Best Bar None scheme, which is sponsored by Diageo, Molson Coors, Heineken, Tennents, Maxxium UK and Chivas Brothers.

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

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