A KIRRIEMUIR nightspot caught the eye in the Angus Best Bar None Awards 2009 - winning the best nightclub award.
Sharkys Bar in Montrose was announced as the overall winner at a ceremony at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel on Wednesday, when Tayside Police Chief Superintendent Alan Campbell, chair of the Angus Focus on Alcohol Project congratulated those licence holde
rs who had achieved accreditation in this year's initiative.
He said: "Our overall winner for this year is Sharkys Bar in Montrose and I congratulate owner Carl Granville and his staff for achieving this coveted status and for making impressive efforts to meet the required standards.
"There was a keenly contested race for the overall winner and I extend my congratulations to the other finalists, The Vault Pub in Monifieth and Buddies Nightclub in Kirriemuir, who received individual category awards for best pub and nightclub respectively."
Chief Superintendent Campbell added: "It is most satisfying to be in a position to reward good working practices in local licensed premises.
"The Best Bar None initiative accredited a total of 31 premises this year and it is a real credit to all those who have taken up the challenge.
"I am delighted that the number of accredited premises in Angus has increased year on year since 2007.
"I wish to reserve particular praise for Forbes of Kingennie for their efforts in securing the first special Disability Awareness and Accessibility award.
"This honour is received in recognition of their provision of excellent facilities for individuals who have physical disabilities in Angus.
"Best Bar None Angus supports the introduction of additional standards and policies for the trade. This scheme is entirely voluntary and ultimately provides safer, more comfortable pubs, bars and night clubs to visit, both for our local community and visitors to the Angus area."
Chief Superintendent Campbell concluded: "Through the Focus on Alcohol Angus project and excellent partnership working throughout Angus, we continue to tackle the problems associated with alcohol misuse.
"However, without the commitment shown by numerous partners and the licensed trade this would not be possible.
"I would like to encourage all licensed premises to consider joining the Best Bar None scheme for 2010-2011 and help promote a safer Angus for everyone."
Eileen McArthur of Focus on Alcohol Angus said: "I am delighted to see so many of the licensed holders of the accredited premises this year at this year's ceremony.
"This event has really grown since its inception in 2007 and this has been due to the increasing demand from the licensed trade to take part in Best Bar None Angus.
"Next year I hope we see a further increase in the number of premises taking part as we implement a brand new scoring system that will allow premises to receive a bronze, silver and gold status for their pub, bar or night club."
