Doncaster Council’s award winning Best Bar None scheme celebrated the years success’s with a triumphant awards night at Doncaster Racecourse on Monday 23 January.

The awards night, which rewards the licensees for the safe and responsible management of licensed premises, saw venues from across the borough reap the benefits for their hard work.

More than 300 licensees and guests attended the night, which was hosted by Doncaster radio station Sine FM and sponsored by Heineken, Diagio, Britvic and Highfield ABC.  A charity auction on the night raised £2500, which will be donated to The Aurora Centre.

The overall 2012 Doncaster Best Bar None Winners award went to CoCo Ice and was presented by Mayor of Doncaster Peter Davies. The Bawtry Wine Bar also scooped the award for Best Bar in the South and East of Doncaster. 

John Welch, who owns CoCo Ice said: “This award is a great honour for CoCo Ice and reflects the hard work put in by my staff over the last 12 months.  I believe that well trained staff are the backbone of any business and this philosophy has paid off.  Bawtry has a thriving night life, with visitors travelling from all over South Yorkshire and beyond and this award now makes us the jewel in Bawtry’s crown”.

Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, opened the awards night, and said afterwards: “I’d like to congratulate everyone who’s taken part in Best Bar None, especially the individual award winners who’ve proven that they’ve gone the extra mile.  Doncaster Best Bar None has been voted the best in the country so these winners are the best of the best. I’m pleased to see the Best Bar None scheme celebrating the most responsible licensed establishments in Doncaster.”

The standards of the venues and the positive attitude of the licensees means that Doncaster continues to develop its reputation as the region’s premier night time destination.

Chief Inspector Ian Bint, chairman of the tactical violent crime group for Doncaster said: "Violent crime in the town centre has reduced by over 50% since the Best Bar none scheme started in 2006.  Working with responsible and trained staff has been a key element of that success and we fully support Best Bar None.  Congratulations to the winners, you deserve it."

Last year’s overall winners Manana Manana again won the Best Bar award and the events hosts Doncaster Racecourse won the 2012 Best Leisure Venue award.   The Salutation was crowned the Best Pub and the Community Pub award went to The Dog Daisy in Mexborough.