Today at the Toronto Hyatt Hotel, the first awards were announced in the Best Bar None
Ontario Entertainment District pilot which was launched in October of 2012.
Best Bar None is an industry-led annual accreditation program for liquor sales licensed
establishments.
Thirty-seven establishments are receiving a Best Bar None accreditation today and seven out of
that number are being given special Awards as follows:
"These establishments have proven that they deserve to receive these inaugural awards for the
high standards they have established. They all serve liquor responsibly and reduce the potential
for alcohol-related issues. They make the Entertainment District safer and more attractive to
visit and are building positive relationships with industry partners, law enforcement and the
community at large," said Tony Elenis, the President and CEO of ORHMA (the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association).
After completing a detailed application form outlining their operating procedures, establishments
were visited by an independent third party to verify each establishment’s compliance with their
own processes. Today’s awards and accreditations reflect the successful outcomes of those
reviews.
All 37 accredited establishments will now receive decals and other marketing materials to
display in their establishments, to indicate to the public that they are a BBN accredited venue.
It is anticipated that these awards will be given out on an annual basis. Following a review of the
pilot, the program is expected to expand into other areas of the province.
Best Bar None Ontario is led by the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) in
conjunction with a diverse group of organizations from the hospitality industry, community
organizations and government who have the common goal of improving and rewarding
responsible liquor service and operational excellence.
For 2012/2013, the industry, community and government participants are:
- Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA)
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
- Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area
- Toronto Police Service
- King Spadina Residents Association
- Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO)
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
- Municipal Licensing and Standards Division, City of Toronto
- Prime Restaurants Inc.
- Crocodile Rock
- Greater Toronto Hotel Association
Best Bar None Ontario is also sponsored by Ontario’s wine, spirits and beer manufacturers and
Pattison One-Stop as part of their commitment to encouraging responsible drinking, including:
Labatt, Molson Coors, Spirits Canada, Pattison One-Stop, LCBO, The Beer Store, Smart Serve
Ontario, Sleeman, the Wine Council of Ontario, Ontario Craft Brewers and the Winery and
Grower Alliance of Ontario.
Best Bar None began in 2003 in Manchester, United Kingdom, where it has successfully
improved standards in the hospitality industry. Over 100 towns and cities in the U.K. have since
adopted the Best Bar None accreditation program and the program is now being implemented
internationally, with Canadian programs also operating in Edmonton and Calgary.
For further information, call: 1-855-BBN-9500 or 1-855-226-9500.