20 February 2013
Benefits are Best Bar None
With the launch of Best Bar None 2013 in January, restaurants, pubs and bars in Woking are being reminded to apply for their chance to win an award and be recognised as Wokings best!
The awards, sponsored by Miller Brands UK and run by Woking Borough Council, recognise the responsible management of licensed premises in the Borough, and seek to create a safer night-time economy in Woking for residents and patrons.
Pubs, bars and, for the first time, restaurants, can apply to be a part of this years scheme, and those premises that apply can benefit from the following.
· A free premises listing in the Taste directory on Eagle Radios web site.
· Staff can undertake the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders exam free of charge (fifty spaces available on a first come first served basis).
· Staff can attend a free Fire Safety Training course.
· Certified premises can use the Best Bar None logos for publicity purposes.
· Letting customers know that premises are a quality venue, focused on customer care and safety.
Applicants will be visited by officers from Woking Borough Council, Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue and Surrey Trading Standards, who will inspect the premises, looking at the procedures and policies in place to make it a safer, more enjoyable venue for both staff and patrons.
Those meeting the Best Bar None criteria will receive certification, allowing their customers to recognise their achievement via a gold, silver or bronze official window sticker. Those exceeding the Best Bar None criteria stand a chance of being crowned a Best Bar None winner at the awards evening later in the year, as voted for by a prestigious panel of independent judges.
The 2013 awards are:
· the Miller Brands UK Overall Best Bar None
· Best Bar, Best Late Bar Best Local Pub
· Best Town Centre Pub
· Best Food-led Pub· Best Restaurant
· Services to Licensing Award, voted for by the trade.
Members of the public will have the power to decide who wins the Surrey Advertiser Public Choice Award when voting opens on 1 May. Votes can be cast by visiting www.wokingbbn.co.uk or via a text message. Winners of all awards will receive a winning plaque to be displayed outside their premises and a window sticker highlighting their achievement level, and the Miller Brands UK Overall Best Bar None winner will qualify to the national Best Bar None awards at the House of Lords.
Surreys Director of Public Health, Dr Akeem Ali, said: Woking Best Bar None recognises those premises taking measures to improve health and safety for those living in surrounding areas and for customers. In rewarding pubs, bars and restaurants acting responsibly, it allows them to demonstrate their responsibility to their customers, whilst encouraging other establishments to follow suit, for the benefit of the customers and the community as a whole.
To find out more about Woking Best Bar None or to apply to be a part of it, visit www.wokingbbn.co.uk, contact Sam Marshall, Woking Borough Councils Licensing Officer, on 01483 743650 or email Sam Marshall.
