- What is Best Bar None (BBN)?
-
Best Bar None (BBN) is an accreditation and awards
program, promoting the responsible management and operation of
liquor-licensed premises. The program aims to reduce
alcohol-related harms by raising the standards of licensed premises
and building positive relationships among all stakeholders -
operators of licensed premises, industry partners, law enforcement
and concerned community groups. In addition, BBN rewards licensees
who go above and beyond to raise the responsible service standards
and make their establishments safer.
Accreditation criteria cover a wide range of issues that
well-managed premises should be aware of and address. As part of
the accreditation process, all premises are assessed to ensure they
meet the specific standards related to safe operations and
responsible management.
Accredited premises receive a plaque to display within their
establishment and signage for their entrances. They are also
permitted to display the BBN brand in promotional materials.
All accredited establishments who go above and beyond in meeting
the responsible management and safe operations standards will be
considered for an award by a judging panel. A winner and two
runners up will be identified in five different categories.
- Who can participate in Best Bar None?
-
The program is currently intended for all Class A Minors
Prohibited licensed establishments located within the
participating cities' limits. Licensees choose the category that
best fits their premises: Pub, Large Pub ( Capacity 245+),
Bar/Lounge, Hotel/Restaurant Lounge, or Club.
- Is there a cost for licensees to accredit with Best Bar
None?
-
There is no cost to licensees.
- How do licensed establishments earn Best Bar None
accreditation or awards?
-
Licensees submit their applications (online, email, fax, mail),
and then use the criteria checklist to ensure that their premises
meets the essential criteria required for accreditation. The
criteria checklist identifies a wide range of operational, service
and customer safety criteria that well-managed premises should be
aware of and address.
The checklist has three sections: Essential, Desired, Bonus. To
be accredited, all Essential criteria must be met. Additional
points can be earned by meeting Desired or Bonus criteria, which
will increase your eligibility for award consideration.
A trained assessor will contact the licensee to arrange an
appointment to visit the establishment and review the criteria
checklist. The assessment is not a compliance
inspection, but is an opportunity to go through the checklist and
offer feedback and advice. If all the essential criteria are met,
the premises will receive BBN accreditation.
Licensees who meet all the Essential criteria and additional
Desired and/or Bonus criteria will be considered for an award by a
judging panel. A winner and two runners up will be identified in
five different categories.
- When will accreditation and awards be announced?
-
Award winners will be announced at an Awards Event, held shortly
after assessments are completed and accredited venues have been
announced.
- Will this program eventually be implemented across the
province?
-
After a successful pilot program and subsequent second year in
Edmonton, BBN expanded to Calgary, officially launching on January
19, 2012. Other Alberta communities are considering adopting the
program.
- How do the industry, enforcement agencies, business and
community associations and groups work together on Best Bar
None?
-
The industry and agencies involved in BBN understand the
correlation between well-managed establishments and safety. The
more licensed premises that raise their standards of operation and
customer service to the level required to be BBN-accredited the
better, for the industry, the patrons and area residents and
businesses.
As they come in contact with licensees throughout the year, BBN
partners will encourage licensees to develop their establishments
to meet the high standards of the BBN program. Licensees are
encouraged through BBN criteria requirements to work with the
partners, engage with the community and get involved in business
associations.
- How do businesses benefit from accreditation?
-
Accredited premises will receive a plaque and door signage to
display, that will inform patrons and area residents and businesses
of their participation in the program and their commitment to
public safety and customer service.
Accredited facilities may also use the BBN logo and the fact of
their accreditation (and possibly award) in their advertising.
By earning their BBN accreditation and displaying related
signage, licensed establishments will be identified and recognized
as responsible and courteous establishments. As a result of earning
their BBN accreditation, these venues will be frequented by patrons
seeking a safe and fun night out.
- How can I get more information on how to meet the criteria in
the Criteria Checklist?
-
The Criteria Explanation Booklet is a tool for licensees to use
to help them meet the criteria. It is available on the Best Bar
None website. Copies can also be requested from the Best Bar None
office.
- If a location has had disciplinary action, are they still
permitted to apply to get assessed?
-
A premises that receives a warning from the Alberta Gaming and
Liquor Commission (AGLC) can still get accredited. Premises that
have received AGLC disciplinary action (resulting in a fine or
suspension) in the 12 months prior to their assessment date are not
eligible for accreditation or award.
-
We would be happy to assess premises that have disciplinary
actions, and we encourage licensees to use the criteria to begin to
'raise the standards' in their premises, and work toward
accreditation and award eligibility for the next year.