Best Bar None 2015 Toronto award winners announced

By Stephanie Dickison Best Bar None Ontario honoured eight Toronto establishements in the downtown core for their commitment to responsible alcohol sales and service with awards on Tuesday afternoon. 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. Best Bar/Lounge: Real Sports Bar & Grill Best Members Club: The Spoke Club Best Restaurant: Turf Lounge Best Hotel: Hyatt Regency Toronto on King Best Club: Crocodile Rock Best Venue: Air Canada Centre Best Pub: Fionn MacCool’s (Front Street) People’s Choice: Real Sports Bar & Grill "All the winners have set high standards and serve liquor responsibly in order to reduce the potential for alcohol-related issues. By developing positive relationships with neighbours, patrons, the city, law enforcement and industry partners, the winners are helping make the community safer and the experience for patrons more enjoyable," said Tony Elenis, the President and CEO of the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association, which leads BBN Ontario. Winners are now BBN-accredited venues. When you see the Best Bar None Ontario decal at a bar, pub, restaurant or club, 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." BBN Ontario partners include MADD Canada, the AGCO, LCBO, King Spadina Residents Association, Toronto Entertainment District Business Improvement Area, Toronto Police Service and the City of Toronto. "The AGCO expects all liquor licensees to operate with the public interest in mind. That’s why we’re encouraged by the actions of BBN award-winners, as they’ve met the high standards established by this internationally-recognized program. They’re good neighbours who proactively work with local partners to address issues that may otherwise spill into their communities," said Tom Mungham, AGCO’s Chief Operating Officer.