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2009 Launch

Following last year’s successful launch, Birmingham City Council is again working in partnership with West Midlands Police and Fire Service for the 2009 Best Bar None competition.

The scheme encourages social responsibility among licensees by rewarding good management for discouraging binge-drinking and helping prevent alcohol related crime.

The winning venues will be presented with their awards at a ceremony sponsored by Bacardi Brown-Forman and local radio station BRMB.

Birmingham pubs, clubs and bars will be assessed on criteria such as door and security policies, first aid, how they deal with abusive customers and what systems they have in place to deal with alcohol related crime.

In addition to an overall winner – Best Bar None – there will be winners and finalists for seven categories:

1. Best city centre pub
2. Best suburban pub
3. Best city centre bar
4. Best suburban bar
5. Best nightclub
6. Best hotel bar
7. Best independent venue

Businesses accredited to the scheme – even if they don’t win an award – will receive a Best Bar None plaque to display in their premises.

Jacqui Kennedy, Director of Regulatory Services said: “We were thrilled with the response we received last year. This scheme will help to secure the City’s growing reputation for having some of the safest pubs, bars and nightclubs in the country. We’re confident that this year’s scheme will be even bigger and better than last year’s!”

A total of 57 venues achieved accreditation to the 2008 scheme – a number organisers hope to build on this year.

Bruce Ray, Director of External Affairs for Bacardi, said: “When Birmingham City Council and its partners approached us last year to be sponsors we were impressed with their commitment and passion towards their city and improving standards within the trade. We look forward to being part of another successful award event in 2009, rewarding those licensees who go ‘above and beyond’ in areas of responsible retailing.”