Perth pubs celebrate at Best Bar None Awards

Nov 13 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

EFFORTS to rid Perth’s pub culture of anti-social behaviour were recognised at this week’s annual Best Bar None Awards.

In recognition of their effective safety policies and customer care practices, representatives of city centre licensed premises were presented with special initiative plaques at Perth Concert Hall.

The Best Bar None scheme encourages professional management of bars, with an overall aim of making Perth’s centre a safe and welcoming place for night-time visitors.

Sponsored by Diageo, the awards are an integral part of the Scottish Government’s Safer Cities initiative that includes large towns.

Twenty licensed premises in Perth applied for an award this year, with 12 winning gongs in Best Bar None’s clubs and bars section.

Gold award winners were Perth’s Sandeman, Sportsters, Capital Asset, Foundry, Tavern, Twa Tams and That Bar.

Silver prizes went to Ring O’ Bells, Brennans and Roca Blu, with Mondos and the Bothy picking up bronze awards.

In the Best Bar None pubs section, silver awards went to the Moncrieff Arms and the Royal Bar, with bronzes presented to the Corinna Hotel, the Bee Bar and Christies Bar.

Licensed venues taking part in the project are asked to prove they can meet standards which have been set nationally in consultation with the government and the alcohol industry.

Safe and well-managed premises are rewarded with a display plaque which can be used to promote the venue.

Hailing the achievements of the prize-winners, Perth’s Safer Cities programme manager Ian Campbell said the number of gold award winners had doubled since last year’s event.

“Four new premises also applied this year for awards and all gained award status,” Mr Campbell declared.

“We’ll now work with them, and all other premises, to further improve their safety and customer service policies so they can continue to do well in future awards.”

Local community safety partnership convener Willie Robertson passed on his congratulations to the winning bars for their “great work”.

“These awards are an excellent way of recognising, promoting and rewarding good practice in local licensed premises,” he said.

“Not only are they contributing to the night-time economy of Perth in a very positive way, but they are also ensuring the safety of people who come into the city centre to enjoy themselves.”