Paisley Lad wins BII Scotland Bar Personality of the Year

03-May-2006

 

Brian Roberts of Anchor Bar in Paisley has won the Scottish Bar Personality of the Year 2006 award.

Organised by BII Scotland and sponsored by Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises, the Bar Personality of the Year is the most prestigious award for young people in Scotland’s booming licensed retailing industry.

Brian beat five other young hopefuls to win the award, at the annual BII Scotland Ball at Crowne Plaza, Glasgow on 30 April, 2006.

Brian is a Paisley boy through and through, he grew up in the area and has been working in the licensed trade in Glasgow and Paisley since he was eighteen. A charismatic character, his professional football career with St Mirren FC was ended by injury and he decided to enter the licensed trade. He is currently working with his aunt, the lessee at Anchor Bar and has big plans for the future.

Brain said, “I am thrilled to have won the BII Scotland Bar Personality of the Year, the kudos of this prize in the Scottish licensed trade is enormous. I love working in a bar and have made considerable progress in my career so far. My dream, which I hope to make a reality, is to run a bar in Spain, which will be challenging but immensely rewarding.”

Janet Hood, Head of BII Scotland said. “Nobody should doubt the importance and value to Scotland of a responsible, well-run licensed retail industry which prepares for the future by employing and training the best young people. It offers fantastic careers for lively young professionals.

“Brian is a superb example of the young professional in our industry. He has been working in the licensed trade since he was eighteen years of age and has shown enthusiasm and innovation. He understands the serious business and social responsibilities of a modern bar professional.”

Ms Hood added: “Just to get short-listed for this award is a superb achievement. As an additional prize BIIAB are offering the winner, all runners up and any staff at the respective establishments, the opportunity to get a free SARAR handbook to sit an exam in May. Although the qualification is currently in its pilot stage, if candidates pass, there will be full certification. This is really a chance to get better qualified for free.”

The short listed candidates in full are: