Best Bar None program focuses on venues’ commitment towards safety and responsible service
Fifty-two Calgary bars, clubs, pubs, lounges and casinos received 2015 Best Bar None accreditation for their commitment to high service and safety standards.
“This year we saw a large jump in accredited city venues due to growing industry-wide support to create environments of responsible and safe alcohol consumption,” said Bill Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer, AGLC. “AGLC’s continued partnership with industry and partners are making a positive difference to help Calgary’s nightspots be both safer and fun.”
The number of Best Bar None accredited venues in Calgary went up from 33 to 52 this year. Accreditation criteria cover a wide range of issues that well-managed premises should be aware of and address. As part of the accreditation process, all premises are assessed to ensure they meet the specific standards related to safe operations and responsible management.
“These awards are proof that by paying attention to the safety and well-being of employees and patrons, you can substantially improve productivity and performance while decreasing problems that are indicative to the alcohol service industry,” said Marc Halat, Manager of Compliance Services with The City of Calgary.
“Partnerships with the entertainment industry like Best Bar None are vital in helping us manage community concerns,” said Calgary Police Service Superintendent Kevan Stuart. “We cannot address these issues alone and I commend the work being done by our partners to create a safe environment that all Calgarians can enjoy.”
In addition to accreditation, the venues that go above and beyond to ensure a safer and more entertaining night out for their patrons will receive awards at a formal ceremony on June 15 in Calgary.
Best Bar None is an accreditation and awards program for liquor-licensed venues that aims to reduce alcohol-related problems by:
- encouraging nightspots to adopt best practices related to customer safety and responsible levels of alcohol;
- giving nightspots the tools to be better prepared for any violent incidents; and
- building positive relationships between the industry, enforcement, agencies, government and community.
Calgarians can determine if a venue is Best Bar None accredited by a plaque and door signage on display within the premises informing patrons and area residents of their participation in the program.
Best Bar None is a partnership between the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, the City of Calgary and Calgary Police Service with support from the Alberta Safer Bars Council.
52 pubs, clubs, bars and lounges recognized for improving safety, customer service
The criteria for Best Bar None accreditation and awards fall into two categories: Mandatory and Bonus. Meeting the Mandatory criteria is required for accreditation, while meeting the Bonus criteria merits eligibility for awards (Winner, 1st and 2nd Runners-Up in the six categories – Pub, Large Pub, Bar/Lounge, Hotel/Restaurant Lounge, Club, Campus Bar and Casino). The winners in each category are announced at a formal ceremony that recognizes the efforts of nightlife venues in helping to reduce violence in and around licensed premises. This year’s Best Bar None Accreditation and Awards Event takes place on June 15 at the Telus Spark at 6 p.m.
Best Bar None Accredited venues:
1410 World Bier Haus Restaurant and Lounge
Bank and Baron Pub
Barley Mill Neighbourhood Pub
Berwick Public House
Blaze Bar and Grill at Grey Eagle Resort and Casino
Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub
Casino Bar at Cash Casino Calgary
Centre Bar at Cowboys Casino
Cherries Bar at Casino Calgary
Commonwealth Bar and Stage
Cowboys Dance Hall at Cowboys Casino
Dalton’s Lounge – Ramada Plaza Calgary Airport Hotel and Conference Centre
Dudley’s Lounge – Carriage House Inn
Elbow Room Lounge – Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre
Flames Central
Hudsons Canadian Tap House (Downtown)
Hudsons Canadian Tap House (Shawnessy)
Hudsons Canadian Tap House (Crowfoot)
Jamesons Irish Pub (17 Avenue)
Jamesons Irish Pub (Brentwood)
Jetz Bar and Lounge – Best Western Port O’Call Hotel
Jimmy’s Nightclub – Coast Plaza Hotel
Kildare’s Ale House
Kilt and Caber Ale House
Local 510 Tavern
Loco Lou’s Grill and Bar
Melrose Café and Bar at Cowboys Casino
Muldoon’s Irish Ale House
Peanuts Public House – Carriage House Inn
Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall
Roosevelt Food and Drink
Rose and Crown Pub and Restaurant
St James Corner Restaurant and Irish Pub
Stage Bar at Grey Eagle Resort and Casino
Swans of Inglewood Restaurant and Public House
The Den & Black Lounge – University of Calgary
The Drum and Monkey Pub
The Gateway Restaurant and Bar – SAIT
The Hifi Club
The Infinity Bar at Century Casino Calgary
The Last Defence Lounge – University of Calgary
The Other Side Sports Bar – Hotel Blackfoot
The Palomino Smokehouse
The Pint Public House
The Point and Feather Neighbourhood Pub
Thirsty Turtle Bar and Grill
Toad ‘N’ Turtle Pubhouse and Grill (Barlow)
Toad ‘N’ Turtle Pubhouse and Grill (Shepard)
Woody’s Taphouse (Braeside) Woody’s Taphouse (Country Hills)
Woody’s Taphouse (South Trail)
Wurst