Elior UK, the catering partner at BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh, has won a gold award at the Best Bar None Awards 2015, designed to recognise and promote socially responsible venues. The team will now go forward to the Scottish National Awards in March 2016 in the category of Specialist Entertainment Venue. 

Left to right Paul Waterson, chief executive, SLTA (left), James Nicholson, site director, BT Murrayfield (centre), Councillor Eric Milligan, convenor, Scottish Licensing Board (right)  

Judges scored the caterer against a stringent list of essential and desirable criteria. Elior was the highest placed contender in its category and was praised by the judging committee for going above and beyond its remit and for demonstrating best practice.

James Nicholson, Site Director for Elior at BT Murrayfield said: “We’re committed to doing everything we can to safeguard the experience quality and safety of all our guests at BT Murrayfield. It’s fantastic for the team to be recognised in this way.”

The Best Bar None scheme was developed by Greater Manchester Police as part of the Manchester City Centre Safe project in 2003. Its remit - to address alcohol related crime, particularly anti-social behaviour and violence and promote socially responsible venues. It was felt that in order for progress to be made in delivering a safer night time economy, a new consensual approach across licensed businesses was required to enhance and complement traditional enforcement activity. In 2005, the scheme was launched in Scotland and since then it has grown from strength to strength.

Themes of the inspection included: Capacity, Security, Drinks/Drunkenness, Drugs, Theft, Disorder, Terrorism Awareness, First Aid, Management, Glass, Fire Safety, Building Safety, Transport, Disability, Noise, Community Engagement, Public Health and Children.

The ceremony was held at the City Arts Centre, Edinburgh, hosted by the convenor of the Scottish Licensing Board, Councillor Eric Milligan.

More details about the awards here: www.bbnscotland.co.uk