Birmingham Establishments compete to be BEST BAR NONE 2009 STOP PRESS A brand new Birmingham Best Bar None website provides extensive information on the Best Bar None initiative in the city. The site includes a list of accredited venues, information on the 2009 event, details of category winners and photos from the 2008 event, a downloadable copy of the city's alcohol strategy and much more. Go to http://birminghambestbarnone.com/home A shortlist for the 2009 will be announced on Wednesday 15 July and during the voting period (20 July to 21 August 2009) people will be able to vote online for their 'Best Bar None Birmingham's Choice' on the BRMB website The Best Bar None scheme is a recognised scheme, supported by the Home Office, aimed at promoting reponsible management and operation of alcohol-licensed premises. The scheme encourages social responsibility among licensees by rewarding good management for discouraging binge-drinking and helping prevent alcohol related crime. This year’s Best Bar None Birmingham awards will be presented at a ceremony, sponsored by Bacardi Brown-Forman, at the International Convention Centre on Thursday, 10th September 2009. Birmingham pubs, clubs, bars and hotels 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. As well as an overall winner – Best Bar None – there will be winners and finalists in seven categories:- •best city centre pub •best city centre bar •best suburban pub •best suburban bar •best nightclub •best hotel bar •best independent venue Those venues achieving accreditation to the scheme will receive a Best Bar None certificate to display in the premises. 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.” Jacqui Kennedy, Director of Regulatory Services said: “We were thrilled with the response we received last year. Sixty-six venues were assessed, of which 57 achieved accreditation. The 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!” The winners of last year’s awards were:- Best City Centre - Bar Walkabout, Broad Street Best City Centre Pub - Old Contemptibles, Edmund Street Best Suburban Bar - Joe’s Bar, Guild of Students, University of Birmingham Best Suburban Pub - The Junction, Harborne Best Hotel Bar - Holiday Inn, Smallbrook Queensway Best Nightclub - Bar Risa, Broad Street Best Bar None - Bar Risa, Broad Street If you require further information on the Birmingham Best Bar None scheme contact: Ann Hyland, Best Bar None Co-ordinator, Tel: 0121 303 6999 E-mail ann.hyland@birmingham.gov.uk