Better Than Fred’s has been named this year’s winner of the Best Bar None award in Grande Prairie. Fred’s was one of six local bars and pubs to be accredited by the program, which just wrapped up its second year in the swan city. Cody Perotta, who works at Better Than Fred’s, says he is proud of the work the staff there has done for the Best Bar None program in an effort to create the best possible atmosphere for their customers.
“There’s never any problems there, we’ve made a really relaxed place where it’s really easy to come hangout and enjoy yourself, nobody gets bothered. We’ve tried really hard to establish that and it’s paying off, it’s a great place.”
A handful of other bars and lounges including Maddhatters Liquid Lounge, Diamonds Gentlemen’s Club, The Den Pub and Carvery, The Crown and Anchor Pub, and the Great Northern Casino have been accredited by the program as well. The Great Northern Casino was also the overall winner in the casino category.
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission Vice President of Compliance and Social Responsibility Shane Loxterkamp says he’s seeing a tremendous difference in the hospitality industry with bars and pubs changing the way they interact with their communities.
“I’m seeing bars who, every night, will make sure that the parking lot is clean, they’re making sure that there is no noise problems, and I’ve actually done charitable work with a lot of our bars who are thought of as part of their community. We’re just seeing such a difference and it’s creating really much more professional operations these days.”
The Best Bar None program works with bars and lounges all over the province and encourages a higher standard of customer service and safety practices from all it’s participants.