Awards for Best Bar None scheme 2023
A successful multi-agency scheme aimed at improving standards and safety in licensed premises across Scotland has held its annual award ceremony.
Best Bar None Scotland is a national accreditation and award scheme, which creates a safe day and night-time economy through awarding pubs, bars, nightclubs, and specialist entertainment venues, aimed at providing high standards of safety for their staff and customers. Participating venues are given the opportunity to demonstrate they can meet a number of objectives, set in consultation with Scottish Government and alcohol industry.
The award ceremony for the 2023 period was held last night (Thursday, 14 March, 2024) at The Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling.
The scheme is hosted by Retailers Against Crime and supported by Police Scotland, Scottish Government and alcohol industry sponsors. Categories including Best Independent Pub/Bar, Social Responsibility and Best Newcomer, aim to creating safer and welcoming night-time economy, which assists Police Scotland reducing criminal activity within these venues.
The main award of the night, "Best in Scotland", went to Slay in Glassford Street, Glasgow. The venue was noted to have strong dedication to their wellbeing agenda, showing real care for encouraging good customer behaviour and high standards of staff training.
Winners were rewarded with a commemorative plaque which can be used to promote the venue.
Police Scotland’s Superintendent Joanne McEwan said: “Police Scotland is delighted to support Best Bar None and view this partnership approach as a vital tool in reducing crime in and around licensed premises, creating safer communities, supporting a buoyant night time economy and a safe night out for all.
"We are keen for licensed premises to recognise the benefits and advantages the scheme brings to their businesses and communities.”
Stephanie Karté, National Operations Manager for Retailers Against crime, said: “Retailers Against Crime are proud hosts of BBN Scotland and are delighted to be a part of this year’s awards ceremony.
"The evening brought us all together not only to celebrate individual premises achievements but to continue working together in partnership making our towns and cities safer for the night time economy.”
Jack Gemmell, Chairman of the Best Bar None Board added: “The quality of entries for this year’s awards shows that, despite the economic headwinds the sector is experiencing, there is still a real passion for providing a safe, fun and welcoming place to socialise.
"It’s a testament to the winners that they have gone above and beyond to promote responsible consumption and look after their customers and communities.”
