- Bar/Lounge: Melrose Café and Bar – Cowboys Casino
- Hotel Bar: The Other Side Sports Bar – Hotel Blackfoot
- Restaurant and Bar: Julio’s Barrio Kensington
- Small Pub: Hudsons Canada’s Pub (Crowfoot)
- Pub: Hudsons Canada’s Pub (Downtown)
- Large Pub: Hudsons Canada’s Pub (Shawnessy)
- Club: Cowboys Dance Hall – Cowboys Casino
- Campus bar: The Gateway Restaurant and Bar – SAIT
- Casino: Century Casino
“I am honoured to congratulate all of the award winners and accredited Best Bar None venues. Establishments that participate in this program demonstrate their commitment to their patrons, striving for excellent customer service and high safety standards. AGLC is proud to work with industry leaders and stakeholders to address the risk of alcohol-related harms.”
Alain Maisonneuve, President & CEO
Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC)
As a new feature of the Best Bar None program, the inaugural Best Bar None Calgary People’s Choice Awards were presented to the winning venues. Members of the public were able to vote for their favourite accredited establishment from June 5-18. Winners are:
- Bar/Lounge: National on 10th
- Hotel Bar: Cactus Lounge – Deerfoot Inn
- Restaurant and Bar: Craft Beer Market Restaurant and Bar (Downtown)
- Small Pub: Hudsons Canada’s Pub (Crowfoot)
- Pub: Hudsons Canada’s Pub (Downtown)
- Large Pub: Rose and Crown Pub and Restaurant
- Club: Commonwealth Bar and Stage
- Campus bar: The Den & Black Lounge
- Casino: Cowboys Casino
- Event Venue: Palace Theatre
Best Bar None is a voluntary accreditation program for bars that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in service and safety. Bars are evaluated on things like established procedures for handling violence and illicit drugs, ensuring intoxicated patrons make it home safely, cleanliness and maintenance standards, and enforcing a respectful workplace where staff and patrons feel safe.
“The City of Calgary is very pleased to see local businesses demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to creating a safe and entertaining atmosphere for patrons. I would like to thank all the award winners and nominees. You are helping keep Calgary safe while also strengthening our local economy.”
Marc Halat, Manager/Chief Licence Officer
Compliance Services, Calgary Community Standards
The City of Calgary
“The value of Best Bar None lies in the fact that those bars that meet stringent standards have demonstrated they are responsibly managed and committed to ensuring their patrons’ safety to the best of their ability.”
Staff Sergeant John McCarthy
Calgary Police Service
“Part of what makes Calgary a great place to live and visit is the wide range of culinary and entertainment offerings that provide unique food and beverage options, unparalleled experiences and exceptional customer service. Tonight’s winners are truly the ultimate hosts and their efforts contribute to Calgary’s collective efforts toward becoming the ultimate host city.”
Cindy Ady, CEO
Tourism Calgary
Calgarians can determine if a venue is Best Bar None accredited through a plaque and door signage on display within the premises informing patrons and area residents of their participation in the program. Additionally, patrons can now use the Best Bar Finder to easily search for bars in their area that are accredited by AGLC as a Best Bar None venue. The program aims to reduce alcohol-related harms by raising the standards of licensed premises; building positive relationships among all stakeholders; and, promoting the responsible management and operation of liquor-licensed premises.
Best Bar None Calgary is a partnership between AGLC, the City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service and Tourism Calgary with support from the Alberta Safer Bars Council. For more information on Best Bar None, visit bestbarnone.ca.