OTTAWA ON – The Whiskey Bar, Fatboys Southern Smokehouse and the Cornerstone Bar and Grill
have been recognized as the best among bars, restaurants and clubs when it comes to implementing the
highest standards for the responsible sales and service of alcohol in ByWard Market.
The establishments were selected by a judging panel comprising Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD
Canada), the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), and Best Bar None (BBN) Ontario, an
industry-led international accreditation and awards program that rewards excellence among responsible
liquor sales licensees.
There are six winners of the third annual Best Bar None Awards in ByWard Market:
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Best Bar/Lounge: The Whiskey Bar
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Best Restaurant: Fatboys Southern Smokehouse
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Best Club: The Green Room/Liquor Store
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Best Pub: Pub 101
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Best Hotel: Courtyard Marriott
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People’s Choice: Cornerstone Bar and Grill
A key component of the accreditation and awards process is an independent third party investigation to
verify that an establishment is in compliance with its own processes and the appropriate provincial
regulations as administered by the AGCO.
Both the winners and the newly accredited establishments receive a BBN decal and other marketing
materials to promote their status as a BBN-accredited venue. The “Best Bar None” Ontario decal assures
patrons an establishment has met the highest standards for responsible service of alcohol.
BBN Ontario partners include MADD Canada, the AGCO, the LCBO, Ontario Provincial Police, ByWard
Market Safety and Security Committee and the City of Ottawa.
Quotes
“I am very proud to recognize these licensed establishments for their leadership role in the hospitality
community. There is a rigorous process to be accredited by BBN, and these restaurants and clubs are to
be congratulated,” said Tony Elenis, the President and CEO the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel
Association, which leads BBN Ontario.
“MADD Canada notes that the number of applicants seeking accreditation has increased. This tells us
these industry partners are committed to playing their part to keep our roads safe. We are pleased to
partner with BBN Ontario’s goal to provide licensed establishments with a framework for implementing
the highest operating standards,” said Andrew Murie, CEO of MADD Canada.
“The AGCO believes the safe and responsible service of alcohol is best maintained through a
collaboration of the industry, the community, and law enforcement. The BBN Ontario program
complements our efforts to educate liquor licensees and increase compliance,” said Tom Mungham,
AGCO’s Chief Operating Officer.
Best Bar None
Best Bar None originated in 2003 in Manchester, U.K. In the U.K. and in Alberta, Best Bar None programs
have been credited with increasing levels of public safety and reducing crime in downtown
entertainment districts. The program also improved the economic viability of these districts and built
positive relationships between owners of licensed establishments and local community groups and
police.
Media contact:
Tony Elenis
President and CEO
Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association
Ph. 905-361-0268
telenis@orhma.com