National Off-Licence Association unveils ‘National off-licence of the year awards 2011’

12 overall Awards were presented on the night of Monday, 10^th January with the much sought after National Off-Licence of the Year 2011 accolade, presented by NOffLA Chairperson, Evelyn Jones, to Sweeney’s Wine Merchants, Finglas Road. In addition, all 50 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 50 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 2010, 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.”

WINNERS