Six Renfrewshire pubs and clubs have been shortlisted as national finalists in the Best Bar None Scotland Awards 2015-16 to find the best licensed premises in the country.

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The shortlisted venues and their award categories are:

· Bishopton Inn Hotel – Best Hotel Bar
· Bar Varia, Braehead – Best independent bar
· Lord of the Isles, Paisley – Best pub
· Fantoosh, Paisley – Best nightclub
· Bar Varia, Braehead – Best use of innovation
· Hamishes’ Hoose, Paisley – Heart of the community

The nominees will find out whether they have been successful at the Best Bar None Scottish national awards ceremony at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow, on Thursday 24 March.

The scheme, which has been run in Renfrewshire by Police Scotland and Renfrewshire Council since 2012, rewards premises that provide a safe and welcoming environment for local residents to enjoy responsible drinking.

Accreditation to the scheme shows the venue and its staff have met standards that assure members of the public they will be able to enjoy a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

Businesses are scored against national standards and can be awarded a gold, silver or bronze award in the scheme.
Councillor Eddie Devine, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment Policy Board, said:

“This is another great result for Renfrewshire’s licensed traders and continues our impressive track record in these awards.
It is real recognition of the effort that the owners and managers of our local pubs, clubs and hotels put into ensuring best practice at their venues for safety, responsibility, staff training and concern for the community.

“More and more, pubs and bars that offer a safe environment where customers can drink responsibly are becoming the norm. It shows that when licencees, the police, the fire service and the council work together we can improve the safety and wellbeing of customers in our pubs and bars.

“Results like this are helping to develop our night-time economy and encourage people to come out and enjoy the attractions of our towns and villages. This is particularly important as we prepare to go forward with Paisley’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2021.

“I would encourage more bars and pubs in Renfrewshire to take part in this worthwhile scheme and take the opportunity to showcase the quality of service they are providing.”

Inspector Jane Harley of Police Scotland said:

“The Best Bar None Awards provide Renfrewshire with an excellent opportunity to showcase our well run licensed premises where local people can go to enjoy themselves knowing that they are being looked after in an accredited establishment. The standards set this year were very high and the fact we have five premises going forward to the finals of the Scottish Best Bar None awards is very encouraging and exciting.

“I look forward to hearing the results and would encourage any licensed premises in Renfrewshire who have not yet taken part in the scheme to seriously consider doing so. It really is a fantastic opportunity for them.”