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The bar was raised on Tuesday night (30 September) when the winners of Woking Best Bar None 2014 were revealed at an awards evening held at the H.G. Wells Conference and Events Centre.

The event, sponsored by Miller Brands UK and organised by Woking Borough Council, was held to celebrate and reward the responsible management of licensed premises in the Borough, with 19 local pubs, bars and restaurants registering for this year's scheme.

More than 130 guests from local licensed premises joined the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Tony Branagan; Member of Parliament for Woking, Jonathan Lord MP; Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Licensing, Cllr Graham Cundy and other distinguished guests to discover the winning premises.

The awards were hosted by 96.4 Eagle Radio presenter, Stuart Provan and the winners were:

Robyn Dunwoodie, Corporate Communications Manager for Miller Brands UK, said: "We have been proud to sponsor Woking Best Bar None for the third year running. The initiative is at the heart of the community as it encourages responsibility within licensed premises, whilst ensuring a safe night-time economy. Once again, venues across the Borough have got behind Best Bar None and receipt of an award lets patrons know that they strive for the best possible standards.

"I'd like to extend my congratulations to all the winners of the scheme, particularly The Sovereigns, who were awarded the Miller Brands UK Overall Best Bar None for implementing community initiatives and achieving the highest level of accreditation."

Cllr Graham Cundy, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Licensing, said: "We are proud to be part of the national initiative, Best Bar None, which seeks to recognise and reward the responsible management of licenced premises. I would like to extend my congratulations to the winners, those premises that achieved the gold, silver and bronze certifications and every pub, bar and restaurant that has taken part in the awards this year.

"Their efforts towards providing enjoyable, yet responsible drinking establishments in Woking, continue to make a great contribution to the Borough's licensed premises industry."

Venues that signed up to the scheme were visited by licensing officers from Woking Borough Council and Surrey Police during the summer to assess how well they met current licensing and trading laws. Points were awarded for steps taken to prevent crime and disorder; plans for ensuring public safety; dealing with public nuisance like noise, litter and waste; and demonstrating steps to protect children from harm, such as having a robust proof of age policy in place. Those meeting the Best Bar None criteria are accredited to the scheme with a gold, silver or bronze sticker to display in their premises' window.

All those who voted for their favourite premises in the Woking Advertiser Public Choice Award will be entered into a prize draw for their chance to win an iPad mini, courtesy of the Woking Best Bar None sponsor, Miller Brands UK. The winner will be revealed shortly.

Woking Best Bar None would like to thank its sponsor, Miller Brands UK, and supporters the Woking Advertiser, Surrey Alcohol Responsibility Initiative (SARI), Drinkaware and Eagle Radio for their invaluable support of the scheme.

To provide feedback on this year's scheme, please contact Woking Borough Council's Economic Development Officer, Sam Marshall, on 01483 743029 or email [email protected]