Continuing partnership with Best Bar None Scotland

The 49 finalists across 10 categories have now been chosen and the winner in each, plus the overall National Champion, will be unveiled at the end of March.  

Brett Crabtree, Drinkaware Head of Business Development said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Best Bar None Scotland awards for a third year. This year's finalists have shown great commitment to making their venues safe and welcoming places that encourage responsible drinking, and where vulnerable customers are supported. They are all to be applauded for their hard work and investment.”   

The finalists in the Innovation in Social Responsibility category are:

• Rock Diner, Kilmarnock:  Praised for their wide range of initiatives aimed at countering social exclusion, including a monthly soup kitchen and giveback session and impressive fundraising for the CALM suicide awareness charity.  

• Black Rose Tavern, Edinburgh:  An ambitious responsibility programme including extensive staff training, a taxi system to check customers get home safely, anti-spiking measures and ‘meet and greet’ on the door for every customer. They also did a great job in raising awareness of the Ask Angela scheme across Edinburgh.  
• Jonny Foxes and The Den, Inverness: Winners of this award in 2018 who are continuing to do sterling work, including mental health awareness workshops and CPR training for staff, and participation in Best Bar None’s Keep Safe scheme. 
• WG13, Kilmarnock: Demonstrating real commitment to reducing vulnerabilities in the nighttime economy with extensive staff training and initiatives including their All Abilities Discos and Tea Dances, which offer members of the community with additional support needs a safe space to socialise. 
• University of Stirling Students’ Union: Impressed with their ‘F-team’ programme which helps to settle new and returning students into University life with support including a Safe Taxi service, dip strips to prevent drinks spiking and a range of alcohol-free cocktails.  

Best Bar None Scotland was introduced in Scotland in 2005 to raise standards in the nighttime economy. Venues in 58 towns and cities across Scotland now participate in the scheme.