The Liquor Stores Association (LSA) has announced the launch of the 2016 Retail Liquor Industry Awards for Excellence, with the nomination period now open for LSA members and stakeholders to be recognised for their hard work.

Established in 1996, the awards are now considered the pinnacle accolade for the retail liquor industry in NSW and ACT. Retailers, suppliers, staff and representatives alike are celebrated for their contributions to the industry, from outstanding customer service, to product knowledge and supreme professionalism.

Nominations are free for member retailers. Participation is encouraged as an opportunity for retailers to experience a “mystery shop” as part of the process, with the individual reported results (valued at $150) later given to each partaker.

Retailers will be assessed on key criteria including arrival experience and first impressions, store layout and appearance, product ranging and diversification, staff presentation, customer service, product knowledge and selling skills, the sales transaction, responsible service and compliance, and the overall customer experience.

The nomination period is open from the August 1^st to 31^st, followed by the mystery shopping and judging period running from September 1^st to October 31^st.

The results will be presented at the annual Awards Dinner, scheduled this year for the 18^th of November at the Sofitel Sydney, Wentworth.

For more information about the Awards Program and to nominate, visit the LSA website.