Celebrating 13 years of Best Bar None (BBN) Edmonton, 82 local hospitality establishments gained accreditation for their continued efforts to demonstrate responsible liquor service and patron safety.

“Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis is extremely proud of the ongoing collaboration between industry and the Edmonton-area community to promote responsible liquor consumption. Congratulations to this year’s accredited businesses and award winners for their continued commitment to customer service and safety.”

Kandice Machado, CEO

AGLC

From this group, 11 businesses won awards in the following categories:

Bar: Central Social Hall – Downtown
Campus Bar: The Nest – NAIT
Casino: River Cree Resort and Casino
Greater Edmonton Area: Boston Pizza Lounge – Leduc
Hotel Bar: Graze Lounge – Edmonton Inn
Large Pub: Hudsons Canada’s Pub – Bourbon Street
Nightclub/Live Music Venue: Midway Music Hall
Pub: Kelly’s Pub
Restaurant and Bar: The Provincial Kitchen and Bar
Restaurant and Bar Downtown: The Common
Restaurant and Bar Separate Lounge: Smitty's Lounge – Mill Woods

"Edmonton's hospitality and nightlife industry is an important part of our city's social ecosystem, and many of us can attribute our most fun memories to our favourite local restaurant, cafe, pub, bar or nightclub. This industry boosts our economic growth efforts, it amplifies our arts and cultural industries, it contributes to city vibrancy, it showcases homegrown talent, and most importantly, it cultivates a sense of community for all Edmontonians. Congratulations to all of the nominees and recipients of this year's Best Bar None Awards — you are all playing a part in keeping Edmonton's hospitality and nightlife industry safe, accessible, inclusive, diverse and fun! Together, we ARE building an Edmonton for all of us."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of Edmonton

The general public were encouraged to have their say and vote for their favourite accredited business between November 4 and 14, as part of the Best Bar None People’s Choice Awards:

Bar: On the Rocks
Campus Bar: The Nest – NAIT
Casino: River Cree Resort and Casino
Greater Edmonton Area: Sherlock Holmes Pub – Sherwood Park
Hotel Bar: Lion’s Head Pub
Large Pub: The Cabin Pub & Party
Nightclub/Live Music Venue: Starlite Room
Pub: River City Revival House
Restaurant and Bar: Julio’s Barrio
Restaurant and Bar Downtown: The Common
Restaurant and Bar Separate Lounge: Boston Pizza Lounge – South Common

“As police, our focus is on preventing and reducing crime and disorder, and our success is linked to programs like Best Bar None. Best Bar None is a leading example of community safety. When venues stay engaged in the community and actively ensure safe operations for their patrons, we all benefit.”

Derek McIntyre, Superintendent

Edmonton Police Service

Already operating in more than 180 accredited establishments in Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge and Banff, the BBN program aims to reduce alcohol-related harms by:

• encouraging businesses to adopt best practices related to customer safety and responsible service of alcohol;
• giving businesses the tools to be better prepared for any violent incidents; and
• building positive relationships between industry, enforcement agencies, governments and community.  

Best Bar None Edmonton is a partnership between AGLC, the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Police Service, City of Edmonton Fire Services with support from the Alberta Safer Bars Council. For more information on Best Bar None, visit bestbarnone.ca.