Pubs and Brewers Raise a Glass in Support of Veterans and Their Families as Bbpa Signs the Armed Forces Covenant

Pubs and brewers across the country will be commemorating the service and sacrifice of our armed forces by gathering together in pubs and brewing special beers.

The British Beer and Pub Association has underlined the sector’s commitment by officially signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families across the industry.

By signing the Covenant, the leading trade body has pledged to recognise the skills, experiences, and contributions of the Armed Forces community, and help the sector ensure community faces no disadvantage in accessing employment, services, or opportunities.

The move underlines the pub and brewing industry’s long-standing relationship with the Armed Forces and its ongoing role in bringing people together to celebrate and commemorate their service. So far, BBPA members who have signed up include St Austell, Adnams, Hall & Woodhouse, ARC Inspirations and the trade association is encouraging more to get involved.

Across the country, pubs are hosting gatherings of veterans, raising money for military charities, providing safe, welcoming spaces for service personnel, past and present, to connect with their communities and play the last post to remember the lost.

Many brewers are also creating special commemorative beers inspired by the stories and sacrifices of veterans—continuing the proud storytelling tradition that pubs have upheld for centuries, and helping raise awareness and funds for Armed Forces charities.

As part of its commitment, the BBPA will:

• Promote itself as an Armed Forces-friendly organisation and encourage its members to adopt similar pledges by signing the Covenant.

• Provide guidance and resources to support members who wish to sign, with full details available here.

• Support employment pathways for veterans and service leavers by recognising military qualifications, offering flexible working arrangements for reservists and service families, and ensuring inclusive policies are in place for those balancing military responsibilities with civilian roles.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is an important step in recognising and including our Armed Forces personnel — individuals who have given so much in service to our country.

“The pub and brewing industry has a long tradition of being at the heart of local communities, and many of our members have a proud history and connection with our forces. From commemorative beers to fundraising events and community gatherings, our pubs and brewers continue to play a vital role in supporting and celebrating our Armed Forces.

“Veterans deserve not only our respect and gratitude but meaningful chances and opportunities in civilian life, and we want to ensure that they, service families, and reservists are supported in every part of our sector.”

Jonny Ball, Veteran and co-founder of charity the UK Afghanistan Veterans Community, said: “The beer and pub industry is as British as serving your country. This is an important step for the employment prospects not only of our Veterans, but of serving Reservists and the families who support us too, all who have phenomenal skills to offer the industry. 

“This move by BBPA is the advocacy and leadership we need as a community, to help society empathise and value the people who serve.  This impact will touch every single community in the UK, particularly Veterans of Afghanistan, who are largely of working age.”

Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Minister for Veterans and People, said: "I'm delighted to raise a glass to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) for signing the Armed Forces Covenant. This commitment will help veterans, reservists, and military families secure employment opportunities as they transition to civilian life.

“This government is committed to renewing the contract with those who serve, and have served, and the BBPA's pledge is an excellent example of how businesses can honour that commitment.”

The BBPA will raise awareness of Armed Forces support initiatives, work with members to develop their own commitments, and encourage recognition of the valuable skills service leavers bring to roles across pubs, brewing, and hospitality.

The association has also pledged to actively support national events such as the Poppy Appeal, Remembrance Day, Armed Forces Day, and Reserves Day.

As a Disability Confident employer, the BBPA will continue to promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that appropriate support and accessibility are provided where needed - including mental health support and reasonable adjustments during recruitment processes.

The BBPA’s signing of the Covenant marks a significant industry-wide commitment to celebrating, employing, and supporting members of the Armed Forces community - while pubs and brewers across the UK raise a glass in their honour.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Case studies

• The Union Tavern in Salford, owned by Joseph Holt Brewery, has launched a weekly NAAFI Break to support local veterans adjusting to civilian life. Led by landlord Phil Bowers, a 34-year British Army veteran, the Thursday morning sessions offer informal camaraderie, coffee, and conversation in a welcoming pub setting. Developed in partnership with Foundation 92, the initiative provides a safe, friendly space for ex-service personnel of all ages to connect and access peer support. The Union Tavern also runs a monthly veterans’ social, “Veterans and Proud”, offering further opportunities to share experiences. Joseph Holt says the initiative reflects the vital role pubs play as community hubs, extending hospitality beyond the bar to honour and support those who have served.

• Hall & Woodhouse, a proud BBPA member, was founded in 1777 when its founder Charles Hall rode to London to secure a license to supply beer to British troops during the Napoleonic Wars — marking the start of the brewery’s long connection with the Armed Forces. Today, that legacy continues through limited-edition commemorative beers celebrating regimental milestones and military history. Recent brews include “Stable Jacket,” created for the Lancers, a celebration beer for 2 Para, C Company marking the 75th anniversary of Operation Biting, and a special release for III Para honouring the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Mount Longdon. Through these tributes, Hall & Woodhouse continues to honour its historic bond with Britain’s servicemen and women.

Contact: Anna Edwards, aedwards@beerandpub.com

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