Raising the bar

CITY COUNCIL TO ASSIST BEST BAR NONE PROGRAM

City council has put its support behind an initiative intended to make local drinking establishments safer and improve the overall experience for patrons.

On Monday, council voted to support the Best Bar None program to the tune of $500. The money is intended to assist with the event’s annual awards night.

Best Bar None is a voluntary annual accreditation and awards program promoting the responsible management and operation of liquor-licensed premises.

The program is a partnership between the City, Lethbridge Police Service, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, and the local hospitality industry.

David Young, program specialist Best Bar None, Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission, told council the program is a way for bars to demonstrate that they put patron safety at a premium for their customers.

“It’s also a way to introduce best practices to an industry,” he said, noting the more businesses involved, the more the program tends to elevate all businesses.

Ten local companies have signed on and have become accredited.

A significant portion of accreditation is ensuring staff have the proper training. Mayor Chris Spearman inquired about how that training is tracked, as it is an industry which can see significant turnover.

Young said the accreditation list is one that is continually evolving, and part of ensuring training levels are kept up take place through a questionnaire and interviews with management.