A number of Aberdeenshire bars that work to promote good practice throughout the industry received awards at the 2010 Best Bar None awards on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at The Holiday Inn Aberdeen West, Westhill.

Inverurie and District Councillor Martin Kitts-Hayes presented the awards to 18 licensed establishments that achieved gold, silver or accreditation under the Best Bar None Scheme.

Best Bar None is an awards scheme for licensed premises currently running in locations across the UK. The scheme provides an opportunity for licensees to demonstrate to official agencies just how well they manage their own businesses. Aberdeenshire has been involved in the scheme since 2007.

The Best Bar None scheme has a number of aims, including:

• Reducing the risk of alcohol related harm, disorder and crime
• Establishing a benchmark for good practice in licensed trade premises
• Identifying and rewarding responsible operators and share their good practice with others
• Raising public awareness of the benefits of choosing to use well run licensed premises
• Creating a positive vehicle for all sectors of the night time economy to work together in partnership

Councillor Kitts-Hayes said:

"Alcohol misuse us such a topical issue, and it is important that we do everything we can to help solve a problem that is so widespread. Congratulations to all the winners."

William Munro, Chairman of the Community Safety Executive in Aberdeenshire, said:

"We are very proud to be involved with this scheme, and that so many Aberdeenshire premises are being awarded is extremely good news.

"The Community Safety Executive is committed to ensuring Aberdeenshire is a safe place for all who come to visit, and Best Bar None is a very effective resource available to us."

This years winners are:

• Emma Birnie, Rocksley Inn, Stirling Village, Peterhead, AB42 3AP
• Alasdair Neil Cable, Butchers Arms, 14 West High Street, Inverurie, AB51 3SA
• Tina Finnie, The Grange Inn, West Road, Peterhead, AB42 2AQ
• Paul MacLennan, The Colquhonnie House Hotel, Strathdon, AB36 8UN
• Robin Philip, Morris's Hotel, The Square, Oldmeldrum, AB51 0DS
• Fiona Bisset, Northern Lights, Hatton of Fintray, AB21 0YG
• Alan Cameron, The Hatton Mill, Main Street, Hatton, AB42 0LL
• Julie L Bell, Commercial Hotel, 40 South Street, Aberchirder Nr Huntly, AB58 7TS
• Ian Sangster, Harbour Lights (Peterhead) Ltd, 122 Longate, Peterhead, AB42 1JU
• Richard Gibbons, The Fishie Pub, 1 The Square, Fetterangus, Peterhead, AB42 4EN
• Kenneth Watt, West End Bar, 28a Erroll Street, Peterhead, AB42 1PX
• Kenneth Watt, Palace Hotel Ltd, Prince Street, Peterhead, AB42 1PL
• David Pollock, Key West, Unit 17 Westhill Shopping Centre, Westhill
• Bill Reid, Broadstraik Inn, Elrick, Westhill, AB32 6TL
• Iain Anderson, The Shepherds Rest, 10 Straik Road, Westhill, Aberdeenshire, AB32 6HF
• William Berry, Linsmohr Hotel, Oldmeldrum Road, Pitmedden, AB41 7NY
• Marc Jones, Holiday Inn Aberdeen West, (Westhill), Westhill Drive, Aberdeenshire, AB32 6TT
• Doug Driver, Station Bar & Lounge, 77/79 Queen Street, Peterhead

Anyone who would like to apply for the 2011 Best Bar None awards should contact Kate Rigby, Strategic Development Officer (Community Safety), on (01224) 748994, or email: kate.rigby@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

The Aberdeenshire scheme is supported by Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership, the Scottish Business Crime Centre and is sponsored by Diageo.

For more information visit the Best Bar None web site