Last chance to apply for Woking Best Bar None 2013!

06 March 2013

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Are you Woking's best pub, bar or restaurant? If so, get your last orders in as applications for the exciting Woking Best Bar None 2013 close at 5pm on 15 March.

The awards allow local licensed premises to be recognised as Woking's best, with responsible management at the heart of their practice, and applicants can benefit from the following:

  • A free premises listing in the Taste directory on Eagle Radio's web site.

  • Staff can undertake the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders exam free of charge (50 spaces available on a first come first served basis).

  • Staff can attend a free Fire Safety Training course.

  • Certified premises can use the Best Bar None logos for publicity purposes.

  • Letting customers know that premises are a quality venue, focused on customer care and safety.

Louise Punter, CEO of Surrey Chambers of Commerce and one of Woking Best Bar None 2013 judges, said: "It is important for any business to show that it is providing excellent service, which can include being a strong part of the community. Businesses going for the Best Bar None awards will position themselves ahead of competitors and deserve our recognition."

The awards, sponsored by Miller Brands UK and run by Woking Borough Council, seek to create a safer night-time economy in Woking, and officers will visit premises to look at the policies and procedures in place to make it a safer, more enjoyable venue for both staff and patrons.

Those meeting the Best Bar None criteria can proudly display their certified gold, silver or bronze official window sticker, allowing their customers to recognise their achievement. Those exceeding the Best Bar None criteria stand a chance of being crowned a Best Bar None winner at the awards evening later in the year, as voted for by a prestigious panel of independent judges.

The 2013 awards are:

  • the Miller Brands UK Overall Best Bar None

  • Best Bar, Best Late Bar Best Local Pub

  • Best Town Centre Pub

  • Best Food-led Pub

  • Best Restaurant

  • Services to Licensing Award, voted for by the trade.

Members of the public will have the power to decide who wins the Surrey Advertiser Public Choice Award when voting opens on 1 May. Votes can be cast by texting `BBN' followed by the name of the venue you wish to win to 66644. Winners of all awards will receive a winning plaque to be displayed outside their premises and a window sticker highlighting their achievement level.

Cllr Carl Thomson, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Licensing, said: "I'd encourage bars, pubs and restaurants to get involved in this year's Woking Best Bar None. It really is a great chance for licensed premises in Woking to show themselves off and to be rewarded for the practices and policies they have in place, which benefit their patrons and the surrounding community.

"It's the first scheme in the country that allows restaurants to get involved, and I really hope that they will all want to take advantage of this opportunity!"

To find out more about Woking Best Bar None or to apply to be a part of it, visit www.wokingbbn.co.uk, contact Sam Marshall, Woking Borough Council's Licensing Officer, on 01483 743650 or email sam.marshall@woking.gov.uk