The inaugural National Irish Pub Awards 2017 initiative was launched in Dublin recently.
The main objective of the awards programme is to recognise and reward excellence and innovation across various categories in the Irish pub industry.
The eight categories include: Best Food Pub; Best Tourist Pub; Innovative Pub of the Year, Best Local Pub; Outstanding Customer Service; Best Music Pub; Best Outdoor Space; and Pub Personality of the Year.
A series of seven regional events will be held to announce 56 regional winners across all categories. The 56 regional winners will be showcased as the best in class in their area and all will win a prize package of management training to help them progress their business further.
All regional winners will also avail of comprehensive media coverage including a profile piece in a special awards supplement which will be published in the Irish Independent.
President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI ), Pat Crotty, said: “The VFI are delighted to have initiated and developed this awards programme as the definitive national industry standard for Ireland.
“The pub has over the years been an integral part of Irish social culture; is a central component of our hospitality and tourism sectors as well as being a major contributor to growth in our regional economies, so these awards will be an important vehicle to showcase the diversity that is available in the modern Irish pub and recognise the creativity and innovation that is already there.”
The National Irish Pub Awards 2017 are open to all members of VFI and LVA. Entry is free and those interested in entering should do so by visiting www.irishpubawards.ie The closing date from entries is June 23.
Judging will take place during the summer. The National Pub of the Year Award, including category awards, will be announced at a gala ceremony this November.
For more information visit www.irishpubawards.ie
