Scott Hempel from Bar Risa, Broad Street, Birmingham, attended an exclusive reception on The House of Commons Terrace for winners of Best Bar None (BBN) scheme awards across the UK.
More than 100 people attended the reception with over half the attendees being BBN award winners from schemes around the country. The prestigious event hosted by Lord Redesdale, was an excellent opportunity to showcase BBN as a highly effective initiative in the fight against alcohol related crime. Scott was photographed with Lord Redesdale as he thanked and congratulated him for his achievements in the scheme.
Phil Woolas MP, Home Office Minister of State, kicked off the speeches saying how very important BBN is to the industry and the country and thanking the winners of the schemes for their hard work. He told the assembled audience of BBN winners, MPs – including Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe and Assistant Government Whip Dawn Butler – and industry leaders that he welcomed the work of the scheme. Phil also pointed out that the idea of responsible drinking is mission critical for the Government and BBN is moving forward with the change in culture to show that we can all still enjoy a drink but in a responsible manner.
Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands sponsored the reception and Elizabeth Crossick, Director of Government Relations & Social Responsibility Europe, spoke on behalf of the company.
Bobby Smiljanic, Licensing Team Leader of Leicester BBN, gave a spirited presentation on how winning ‘The Most Innovative Scheme’ at last year’s BBN National Conference has helped to grow their scheme, with more venues taking part resulting in wider credibility.
