14 overall Awards were presented on the night of Monday, 9th January with the much sought after National Off-Licence of the Year 2012 accolade, presented to Redmond’s Off-Licence, Ranelagh. In addition, all 42 finalists were awarded certificates of either ‘Standard’, ‘Merit’ and ‘Excellence’ based on their performance.
The awards are held by NOffLA annually to recognise those off-licences around the country that offer exceptional service to customers and demonstrate excellence in retail standards.
According to NOffLA Chairperson, Evelyn Jones, the awards have been of the highest standard to date; “The standard this year really has been outstanding, particularly with regards to product knowledge and customer service. It hasn’t been an easy year for the industry so our members have really had to raise the bar and get a better understanding of exactly what the customer wants. It’s evident from the judges’ feedback that they have been doing just that.”
The awards were held in the prestigious surrounds of the Honourable Society of King’s Inns, Dublin, where the 42 finalists from around Ireland gathered for the final stage of the judging process, comprising a blind-tasting.
Marks were also awarded for key criteria including overall appearance, hygiene, product range, customer service and product knowledge. Judging began in July 2011, a tough but rewarding journey for all of this year’s award winners.
Evelyn Jones continues; “The Awards are well recognised by industry and by the general public so will go a long way to demonstrating the quality offered by our finalists.”
Specialist Off-Licence Group of the Year 2012 O’Donovans, Cork
Best First Time Entrant 2012
Next Door Sundrive Road
Food Retailer Off-Licence of the Year 2012 Samuel C. Cope Ltd.
Customer Service Award of the Year 2012
Martin’s Off-Licence
Spirit Specialist of the Year 2012
The Wine Centre Kilkenny
Beer Specialist of the Year 2012
McHugh’s Off-Licence, Malahide Road
Wine Specialist of the Year 2012
Gibneys Off-Licence
Munster Off-Licence of the Year 2012
O’Donovans Off-Licence - Riversdale S.C.
Connaught/Ulster Off-Licence of the Year 2012
McCambridges
Leinster Off-Licence of the Year 2012
Holland’s Fine Wines
Dublin Off-Licence of the Year 2012
Jus de Vine
RTC Online Trainee of the Year 2012
Rachel Rowan, Mulhall’s Londis
RTC Responsible Retailer of the Year 2012
O’Brien’s Carry Out
National Off-Licence of the Year 2012
Redmonds Off-Licence Ranelagh