It appears dozens of bars want to be labelled as Edmonton's safest. More than 60 establishments have applied for accreditation with the Best Bar None program. The applications come after a string of violent incidents in the city.
Some bar managers who applied for the program tell CTV News they want to show people they're safe while partying at their bar.
We're going through the checklist, we've been making sure that everything's up to par," said Hudsons' manager Asif Hasham.
The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission say its pleased to have received more than 60 applications for the program.
Trained assessors will start checking the bars next week to see if they meet the four pages of safety criteria, which consists of staff training, signage and uniforms.
The bars that pass inspection will earn special accreditation.
Edmonton has been hit by a rash of club violence this year.
Some Edmontonians believe the program is a positive step forward for the club scene.
"I think if you offer somebody a safe alternative to going into these clubs with the drugs and the violence, absolutely, I know I would," said Daryl Fraser.
Hasham calls it a good business decision. He hopes his bar is found to be the safest in Edmonton.
"If we get to pass this and pass it first we get that stamp of approval that we are the safest bar in town," he said.
The Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission expect more bars to apply in the coming months. CTV News has been told the pilot project will likely become permanent after November.
The province explains that even after a bar earns the Best Bar None accreditation, it can be revoked it that business is later found to be not meeting the criteria.
With files from Bill Fortier
