Media office

Birmingham’s inaugural Best Bar None scheme – the licensed trade’s ‘oscars’ – is being backed by global drinks company Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands (BBFB).

They will be the main trade sponsor of the scheme, which will culminate in an awards ceremony at the ICC in September.

Bruce Ray, Director of External Affairs for BBFB, said: “Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands are proud to be sponsors of the Birmingham Best Bar None awards. As a premium spirits company with globally renowned brands, we welcome the opportunity to work with the trade in areas of responsible retailing and customer safety to ensure that consumers can enjoy our brands in comfortable and safe surroundings.

“When Birmingham City Council and its partners approached us 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 the award event rewarding those licensees who have proven they go above and beyond in areas of responsible retailing.”

There have been over 130 expressions of interest from licensees across the city, from city centre hotel bars to traditional pubs.

Jacqui Kennedy, Director of Regulatory Services at Birmingham City Council, said: “This is a fantastic response for the first year of the scheme and shows how keen Birmingham’s licensed trade is to take part.

“This is all about providing a safe and enjoyable environment for customers and encouraging social responsibility among licensees. Being accredited to Best Bar None should reward them with increased business and the prestige of being part of this nationally-recognised scheme.”

The scheme in Birmingham is a partnership between the city council, West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service, with BRMB as media partners. Premises that apply to the scheme 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 for six categories: best city centre pub; best suburban pub; best city centre bar; best suburban bar; best nightclub; best hotel bar. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 16 September.

Prior to that, members of the public will have the chance to choose their favourite venue from the short-list, to be announced on 16 July, through a BRMB ‘people’s choice’ phone vote.

All venues that are accredited to the scheme will receive a Best Bar None certificate to display at their premises.