Representatives from the brewing and pub industry gathered yesterday (9 June) to launch the first sector-wide diversity and inclusion charter, created to ensure breweries and pubs are #OpenToAll.
Developed by the British Beer & Pub Association, the charter encourages businesses from the brewing and pub sector to ensure a commitment to diversity and inclusion is at the heart of their operations and across all of their sites.
Held at The Flying Handbag, Blackpool’s leading LGBTQ+ venue, and part of Daniel Thwaites, the launch played host to guests on a busy evening during Pride month and just ahead of Blackpool’s annual Pride celebrations.
The 13-point pledge puts forward commitments for breweries and pubs to aim for, including placing diversity and inclusion on board-level agendas, creating inclusive venues and spaces and taking a zero-tolerance approach to harassment or discrimination of any kind.
It follows the start of a diversity and inclusion benchmarking survey and guidance for the sector, which will gather data on demographics and staff sentiment to help inform targets for organisations to develop their own action plans on diversity and inclusion.
The charter and survey signify the start of a series of actions to ensure the sector is truly #OpenToAll. A bespoke toolkit released later this summer will include further practical guidance and resources for brewing and pub businesses to foster equality, diversity and inclusion.
The sector-wide commitment will build on the work being done by many brewing and pub businesses who have started initiatives such as representation targets, mentoring schemes and anti-discrimination and anti-bias training.
Introducing the new charter, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association Emma McClarkin said:
“The brewing and pub industry is vibrant and diverse in so many ways and we must proactively ensure that is also reflected in our workforces and our offer to customers. That’s why we are proud to be launching this charter and survey to put a marker in the sand and ensure that, as a sector, we are open to all. This is a social mission, as much as it is an economic one, because diverse, inclusive workplaces are productive and innovative workplaces.
“Many of our members are already making brilliant progress in this area, and this charter seeks to make sure all brewing and pub business are supporting and celebrating diversity of all kinds so they can thrive at the heart of our communities long into the future.”
Rick Bailey from Daniel Thwaites owners of The Flying Handbag said:
“It is easy and natural for us to support the BBPA’s diversity and inclusion charter – we are first and foremost a family business, and you cannot truly be that unless you accept and embrace everyone in the family, as we do across every part of our company.
“The Flying Handbag is a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community in the northwest, even worldwide. Sometimes it is right to be loud and proud – but it is always right to embrace, encourage and include everyone.”
To read the full charter and see the signatories so far visit bit.ly/3MseZ0N
ENDS
Notes to editors:
CLICK HERE TO SEE IMAGES FROM THE LAUNCH EVENT AVAILABLE HERE FROM 8PM ON 9 JUNE
About the British Beer & Pub Association
The BBPA represents companies in the UK which between them brew over 90% of the beer sold in the UK and own 20,000 pubs. Our members include international companies, family brewers, managed locals, and the nation’s largest tenanted pub estates.
- The UK’s beer and pub industry supports close to 940,000 jobs
- The industry adds £26.2billion to the UK’s economy each year
Press release from BBPA
Contact: For more information or to arrange an interview contact Jessie Powell at jpowell@beerandpub.com / 020 7627 9199