The award celebrates the people at the heart of pubs and their contributions to their businesses and communities.
The competition is open to members and non-members of the BII alike. Any entrants are welcome and encouraged to apply, whether they are managers, lessees, tenants or free traders.
LOYA is known throughout the industry as the most difficult competition of its kind. It entails a rigorous four month judging process, which culminates in selecting the winner of the award at the BII Summer Event held on Tuesday 17 June.
Entry requirements
Each stage of the competition provides entrants with the opportunity to evaluate their business, using processes like free mystery customer visits and selective feedback from an expert judging team of varied industry professionals.
Licensees also have the choice to either nominate themselves for the awards, or be nominated by colleagues, customers or suppliers through the BII website.
Entry requirements vary including the need to have been operating their business for a minimum of two years.
Entrants also will have had to have held a personal licence and possess an appropriate food hygiene rating of four or five at their venue. Alternatively, they must hold a pass level in Scotland.
Extra support
Owner of the Royal Dyche in Burnley, Justine Lorriman and previous LOYA winner, spoke about the win. She said: “Winning the Licensee of the Year has really given me confidence in myself.
“Since getting involved with the award, I feel I’ve been taken under the wing of the BII. I’ve met so many incredible people and know that I have that extra support, which is brilliant.”
LOYA recognises the best of the best from our sector
BII CEO Steve Alton
BII CEO Steve Alton said: “LOYA recognises the best of the best from our sector, with key industry experts and operators leading the judging to ensure not only that we have the highest standard of finalists, but also that they get huge value at every stage of the competition.
“Every aspect of the Licensee of the Year Award takes into account the adaptability and resilience that brilliant pubs and licensees have, from diversifying their business models, to supporting their teams and communities…
“The whole team are looking forward to once again meeting the very best licensees, uncovering the unique and brilliant venues and people leading our sector in 2025. Good luck to all entrants!”
