The signing cements the sector’s commitment to recognising the skills, experiences and contributions of the Armed Forces community, while helping ensure veterans, reservists and military families face no disadvantage in employment or access to opportunities within the industry.
The move underlines the long-standing relationship between pubs, brewers and the Armed Forces, with BBPA members including St Austell, Adnams, Hall & Woodhouse and Arc Inspirations also signing up.
Raising funds and glasses
Across the country, pubs are hosting gatherings of veterans, raising funds for military charities and providing welcoming spaces for current and former service personnel to connect with their communities.
Brewers are also creating commemorative beers inspired by veterans’ stories, continuing the pub sector’s historic role in remembrance and storytelling.
As part of its commitment, the BBPA said it will promote itself as an Armed Forces-friendly organisation and encourage more members to adopt similar pledges. It will also support employment pathways for veterans and service leavers by recognising military qualifications, offering flexible working arrangements for reservists, and ensuring inclusive workplace policies.
BBPA CEO Emma McClarkin 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.”
‘An important step’
Veteran and co-founder of the UK Afghanistan Veterans Community, Jonny Ball, praised the move as a milestone for inclusion and employment: “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.
“This is the advocacy and leadership we need as a community, to help society empathise with and value the people who serve. The impact will touch every single community in the UK, particularly veterans of Afghanistan, who are largely of working age.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, added: “I’m delighted to raise a glass to the 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 the BBPA’s pledge is an excellent example of how businesses can honour that commitment.”
The BBPA said it will continue to raise awareness of Armed Forces support initiatives, work with members to develop their own pledges, and actively support national events including the Poppy Appeal, Remembrance Day, Armed Forces Day, and Reserves Day.
The signing marks a sector-wide commitment to celebrating, employing and supporting the Armed Forces community - with pubs and brewers across the UK raising a glass in their honour.
