23/09/2020
The house of bartending professionals has, to date, never been rocked to its foundations as it has by 2020.
Beset on all sides by the very obvious challenges wrought by a global pandemic, which ushered in an era that has at times been sadly divisive, we have ultimately been characterised by our never-say-die will, and our industry has, for the most part, risen above the fear that has threatened to engulf our support of each other, revealing a community that is caring, resilient and full of sacrifices.
This year, we have felt a desperate need to unite, more so than any other time in our history. In rising and falling and rising again, the SA BAR Awards strives to highlight the ambitions and successes of major role players in our industry, who have made such special efforts during this time to keep our industry alive and bounding forward, while giving us a sense of pride and belonging.
For those who received awards on Monday, thank you for being the beacon of light for our industry during this time. Your efforts have been recognised, praised and awarded by your peers, and have never before been so needed or appreciated.
We salute you for your strength, positivity and shining efforts, all of which you contributed regardless of the prospect of praise or recognition. It is because of this that you have been acknowledged, bringing your work out of the shadows and into the light. You have been a source of pride and positivity during a year of challenges. Let us trust that your efforts this year will not be in vain, and that we will emerge from the chaos and dismay of this past year stronger, together.
Another thank you goes out to all the industry professionals who took the time to partake in the process and cast their vote, to VPAS for creating and monitoring this online platform, and to Moore, our independent auditors, for verifying this year’s results.
So once again, congratulations to all the winners!
