Overview

The complete program Overview is also available as a PDF download.

Goals

The success of BBN relies on strong and positive partnerships, shared resources and consistent standards and goals throughout Alberta that work to:

Reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm.
Establish a benchmark of good practice in licensed premises.
Identify and reward responsible operators and share their good practices.
Create consistent, province-wide standards that support Gaming and Liquor Regulations, policies and best practices.
Improve the knowledge and skills of enforcement and regulation agencies, licensees and bar staff in order to deal effectively with issues relating to the management of licensed premises.
Understand how BBN can reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder, and minimize the harmful effects of binge drinking, while improving the profitability and appeal of businesses and the general area.
Raise public awareness of the benefits of frequenting well-run licensed premises, committed to the responsible sale and service of alcohol.
Increase the public's sense of security and well-being, preventing the social discrimination and disruptions, which can result from over-consumption.
Improve the attractiveness and economic vitality of the participating businesses and area.

How it Works

Apply

Application forms and related information are available at bestbarnone.ab.ca.
Get accredited
Accreditation criteria cover a wide range of issues that well-managed premises should be aware of and address. As part of the accreditation process, all premises are assessed to ensure they meet the specific standards related to safe operations and responsible management.

Accredited premises receive a plaque to display within their establishment and signage for their entrances. They are also permitted to display the BBN brand in promotional materials.
Be the best and win an award

All accredited establishments who go above and beyond in meeting the responsible management and safe operations standards will be considered for an award by a judging panel. A winner and two runners up will be identified in five different categories.

Benefits

For Licensees

Positive Public Image

The display of BBN signage sets accredited premises apart from non-accredited premises and identifies the licensees as responsible operators who value their patrons and want to provide a safe night out.
Accredited premises receive signage for public display and may include the BBN logo in their promotional advertising.
The possibility of winning an award in competition with other premises further distinguishes an establishment.

Potential for Increased Patronage and Profits

Operating responsibly can improve the profitability of your business and the appeal of a general area, attracting more customers and building patron loyalty.
If a number of licensees in a community participate in BBN, then patrons will be attracted to the business area and to those venues.

Reduction in alcohol-related harm

A reduction in the risk of alcohol-related harm and the associated costs.
The opportunity to review the health, safety and crime prevention strategies as part of your application/accreditation checklist.

Staffing

Improved employee morale. With higher standards and fewer problems, BBN accredited premises may become known as good places to work, attracting and retaining staff.

Insurance

Potential for long-term savings on insurance-related expenses such as deductibles and premiums.

For Patrons

Will be able to easily find premises, which are identified as well-managed, safe establishments, providing an entertaining, quality night out for their patrons.
Reduced risk of exposure to alcohol-related harm within the premises and in the surrounding community.

For the Community

A reduction in alcohol-related harm may improve the attractiveness and economic vitality of the community.
The BBN-accredited premises are quality venues, serious about customer care and safety.
BBN provides a consistency of standards, which support the Gaming and Liquor Regulations and policies and best practices.

History

The BBN program was developed in the U.K. to address alcohol-related crime. Results of a 2001 British Crime Survey showed a significantly high proportion of crime was directly or indirectly related to licensed premises with poor management standards. The objective was to educate licensees and provide them with an incentive to improve their operating standards. To date, more than 100 BBN programs are operating in the U.K.

2010 BBN Pilot in Edmonton

In 2009, the Alberta Safer Bars Council, a provincial advisory group working to prevent liquor related violence, was looking into ways to improve safety in and around licensed premises.

The ASBC consists of 18 organizations with a total of 30 individual stakeholders from across Alberta and includes:

Alberta Solicitor General and Ministry of Public Security
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
Alberta Justice and Attorney General
Alberta Health Services
Alberta Health and Wellness
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Edmonton Police Service
Calgary Police Service
City of Edmonton

City of Calgary
City of Red Deer
Alberta Urban Municipalities Association
Alberta Liquor Licensees
Alberta Liquor Store Association
Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association
Canada's National Brewers
Canadian Restaurant Foodservices Association
Spirits Canada

The Council reviewed the U.K.'s BBN program and found the program met roughly two thirds of the 92 recommendations for best practices identified in roundtable discussions with Alberta's licensees and stakeholders.

In 2010, BBN was piloted in Edmonton. Sixty three licensed establishments applied for accreditation with a total of 38 becoming successfully accredited.

An evaluation of the pilot included street surveys of more than 750 patrons, telephone surveys of licensees and focus groups with patrons and licensees.

Patrons' survey results highlights:

67% of patrons responded positively or very positively to the concept of the Best Bar None program.
93% of patrons agree or strongly agree some bars are safer than others.
90% of patrons believe the bar managers can do things to make their venues safer.
80% of patrons rate safety as being important or very important when they are considering which bar(s) to attend.

Licensees' survey results highlights:

BBN pilot participants

75% of applicants agree or strongly agree the Best Bar None accreditation process will improve safety in their venues.
74% of applicants agree or strongly agree the Best Bar None accreditation process will provide them with a business advantage.

Non-participants

55% of non-applicants agree or strongly agree the Best Bar None program can improve safety in their venue.
52% of non-applicants agree or strongly agree the Best Bar None program can provide them with a business advantage.
61% of non-applicants indicated it is likely or very likely they are going to pursue the Best Bar None accreditation next year.

BBN Partners

Edmonton Best Bar None
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC)
City of Edmonton
Edmonton Police Service

Calgary Best Bar None
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC)
The City of Calgary
Calgary Police Service

Best Bar None is the property of City Safe, Greater Manchester Police. All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced without prior permission solely by public bodies and operators of licensed premises implementing Best Bar None practices. It may not be reproduced for commercial profit. The contents may not be changed without the express permission of the British Institute of Inn-Keeping (BII), UK.

Best Bar None is used with permission in Alberta, Canada by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission acknowledges the development of this program by the Greater Manchester Police and the generosity and cooperation of the National (UK) BBN Board and the British Institute of Inn-Keeping (BII), UK. In Alberta, the Best Bar None Program is endorsed by the Alberta Safer Bars Council which is comprised of 30 representatives from 18 organizations across the province including licensee representatives.