Glasgow’s publicans and licensees are invited to bid to become the toast of the city.
Entries are being sought for this year’s Best Bar None awards which recognise licensees who take measures to make the city’s social scene safer.
Licensees in Glasgow’s city centre, West End and Shawlands are being urged to sign up to the awards and demonstrate their commitment to improving safety, curbing binge drinking and preventing antisocial behaviour.
The awards were launched at Glasgow’s Thistle Hotel, where speakers will include Phil Walker, Managing Director of Glasgow Community & Safety Services, Chief Superintendent Bernie Higgins, Strathclyde Police’s Divisional Commander for ‘A’ Division and Sandra White MSP.
Phil Walker urged publicans and club landlords to compete for an award.
He said: “Glasgow’s entertainment sector is second to none and the Best Bar None awards are a fantastic opportunity for the city’s licensees to earn recognition for their commitment to making their pubs, clubs and other venues safer, better and more enjoyable.”
Chief Superintendent Higgins said: “It is great to see members of the licensed trade taking part in this initiative. It is all about greater partnership working with the ultimate aim of making Glasgow safer, and people enjoying all that the city has to offer.”
There are three categories in the awards which are sponsored by Diageo. The categories are:-
- Licensed premises which close before 1am
- Licensed premises which close after 1am such as night clubs and bars
- Specialist venues such as casinos and students unions
Bronze, Silver and Gold awards will be presented as well as prizes for the Overall Winner, Most Improved Venue and Best Newcomer.
One hundred licensees were invited to the launch earlier this week and received application packs. Venues which apply will be visited by Strathclyde Police’s Licensing Teams who will judge them on criteria including Prevention of Crime & Disorder, Securing Public Safety, Prevention of Public Nuisance, Promotion of Public Health and Protection of Children from Harm.
The awards are led by Glasgow Community & Safety Services and were first launched in the city in 2005. Thirty-nine venues received awards that year and the number of entries has grown each year since. In 2010, 86 venues received awards.
This year’s winners will be revealed at a glitzy ceremony in the Thistle Hotel in November.