Back in 2010, Eric Baich took a pivotal trip to the U.K.
He travelled there on behalf of Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to learn more about a program there called Best Bar None.
“I was actually able to talk to the Manchester police directly to dig into what the rationale was behind the program,” Baich, AGLC’s director of social responsibility, says. “The origin of the program was a common ground between the municipality, the police and the bar industry. They wanted to promote a safer night out in which people still have fun.”
Best Bar None is an accreditation and awards program that aims to reduce alcohol-related harm during a night out. It involves partnerships between licensed establishments, law enforcement, industry partners and the community.
Venues apply for accreditation, which involves things like writing policy and procedure around everything from handling broken glass to evacuation during a fire. A Best Bar None inspector visits the premises to verify that a checklist of standards are met and, if they pass, they receive official signage, join the website directory and are eligible for annual awards — highlighting each establishment’s deep commitment to patrons’ safe enjoyment of a night out.
“It’s a win for everybody,” Baich says. “The brand that we’re trying to create is for patrons to trust the program and go, ‘Here’s a bar that’s committing to safety and raising the bar for a safer night out.’ When you think of vibrant communities, people want to go out and have a great time, but everyone also wants to have a safer night out.”
The program has 242 participating venues in Edmonton, Calgary, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Banff and Red Deer.
While there have been many ways it’s benefited patrons, one example stands out for Baich.
An Edmonton bar had an emergency incident occur and because of their elevated safety standards, which included surveillance, they were able to quickly and efficiently offer police information for their investigation. The police honoured the establishment with its Action Award.
Part of the program — perhaps Baich’s favourite — is its annual awards program.
Accredited establishments in each community gather for a night of fun and AGLC hands out trophies in categories that range from Best Campus Bar (most recently given to NEST at NAIT) to Live Music Venue (Midway Music Hall).
“We give trophies to the bars that go even beyond above and beyond,” Baich says.
Those looking for a fun, safe place to let loose can head to the program’s website (BestBarNone.ca) and search for accredited venues. They can also find official stickers on the venue’s door.
Baich explains the risk is never zero during a night out, but choosing where you spend your time can help make it a lot safer.
“We’re seeing such positive partnerships between police, municipalities, AGLC and the public,” he says. “It’s good collaboration when everybody is pulling in the same direction.”
