BBPA launches diversity and inclusion pledge

10-Jun-2022 - Last updated on 10-Jun-2022 at 13:34 GMT

#OpenToAll: BBPA announces 13-point pledge encouraging pubs and breweries to commit to diversity and inclusion

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The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has developed a 13-point pledge, #OpenToAll, encouraging pub and brewing businesses to ensure commitment to diversity and inclusion at the heart of their operations.

Representatives from the sector gathered yesterday (Thursday 9 June) at Daniel Thwaites LGBTQ+ venue the Flying Handbag, in Blackpool, to launch the charter.

Daniel Thwaites representative Rick Bailey 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.

Embrace and include everyone

“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.”

The pledge puts forward aims for breweries and pubs, 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,

Furthermore, a bespoke toolkit is to be released later this summer, including further practical guidance and resources to ensure the sector is truly #OpenToAll.

Social mission

BBPA chief executive 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.”