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Toronto, ON – Real Sports Bar, Crocodile Rock and The Spoke Club have been recognized as the best licensed establishments when it comes to implementing the highest standards for the responsible sales and service of alcohol in Toronto’s downtown core.

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 amongst responsible liquor sales licensees.

There are five winners for this year’s Best Bar None Awards in ByWard Market:

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, King Spadina Residents Association, Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area, Toronto Police Service and the City of Toronto.

"These establishments have proven that they deserve to receive these inaugural awards for the high standards they have established. They all serve liquor responsibly and reduce the potential for alcohol-related issues. These makes them leaders in building a vibrant and safer ByWard Market, more attractive to visit while developing positive relationships with industry partners, law enforcement and the community at large," - Tony Elenis, the President and CEO of ORHMA (the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association)

"Together with our industry partners, we are working towards our goal of stopping impaired driving and keeping our roads safe. The Best Bar None Ontario program is a key component in this effort – it establishes a framework of operating standards for licensed establishments that keeps their customers and the public safe." - Andrew Murie, CEO of MADD Canada

"The AGCO is proud to once again be involved in recognizing those businesses that uphold the highest standards for their patrons and staff, in the responsible sale and service of alcohol, and in maintaining important working relationships with the community and industry partners. The public can be assured that these accredited establishments maintain the greatest standards in their operations, in compliance with Best Bar None and the Liquor Licence Act and regulations." - Tom Mungham, Chief Operating Officer of the AGCO

About Best Bar None Ontario

BBN Ontario is an industry-led annual accreditation and awards program for liquor sales licensees. It is led by ORHMA on behalf of the industry and is aimed at encouraging establishments to raise their standards respecting the sale and service of alcohol and to improve the hospitality industry as a whole. BBN Ontario works collaboratively with MADD Canada, the AGCO, the LCBO, Ontario Provincial Police, ByWard Market Safety and Security Committee, and the City of Ottawa.

When you see the Best Bar None Ontario decal at a licensed establishment, you can be assured that the establishment has met the highest standards for responsible service of alcohol and operates with the safety and well-being of its patrons and the community in mind.

Media contact:

Tony Elenis
President and CEO
Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association
Ph. 905-361-0268
telenis@orhma.com

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