Today at Steak Modern in the ByWard Market, the first awards were announced in the Best Bar None Ontario Ottawa pilot
that was launched in October of 2013.
Best Bar None is an industry-led annual accreditation program for liquor sales licensed establishments that was started in
the Toronto Entertainment District as a pilot project and was expanded this year to the Ottawa ByWard Market.
Of the establishments that are receiving a Best Bar None accreditation today five are being given special Awards as
follows:
- Best Overall: Cornerstone Bar & Grill
- Best Bar/Lounge: Real Sports Bar & Grill
- Best Restaurant: Cornerstone Bar & Grill
- Best Club: The Great Canadian Cabin
- Best Pub: Pub 101
“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 ByWard
Market 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 an 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 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. These awards will be given out on an annual basis.
Following a review of the 1st year of the pilot, the program has made some significant changes to better assist the industry
and to educate the public. The form has been streamlined and automated, a renewal application form has been introduced
to assist operators who continue to remain accredited and the program is introducing a “People’s Choice Award” for the
public to vote on their favorite, safe establishments!
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 2013/14, the industry, community and government participants are:
- Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA)
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
- Police Services
- Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO)
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
- ByWard Market Safety and Security Committee
- City of Ottawa
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.
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