Diversity and inclusion
We are committed to embedding diversity and inclusion across the brewing and pub sector
We provide guidance and information for our members on creating pubs and breweries that are welcoming and accessible for everyone.
An Open Welcome: Accessibility in Pubs Guide
Our guide emphasises that accessibility is achievable for every pub regardless of size, budget or building age, as meaningful progress often comes from small, practical adjustments and a willingness to listen to disabled customers and staff. The guide outlines many practical steps pubs can adopt to strengthen their accessibility.
Key Accessibility Recommendations for Publicans
Accurate Online Information
Ensure your pub’s accessibility details are clear and easy to find online. Include specifics on parking, entrances, toilets, and any step-free routes, with photos where possible.
Creating an Accessibility Guide
Develop a clear, honest guide outlining your venue’s accessibility features, supported by photos where possible.
Staff Training & Access Champion
Invest in staff awareness so your team feels confident welcoming disabled customers. Training should cover practical topics like guiding visually impaired guests, understanding non-visible disabilities, and the correct use of emergency cords.
Inclusive Recruitment
Encouraging applications from disabled people and neurodivergent individuals helps create a workforce that reflects your customer base and brings valuable skills and insights into your business.
Investment in Accessible Infrastructure
Where possible, plan for physical improvements during refurbishments. Priorities include step-free access, ramps, lowered bar sections, accessible toilets, and clear signage with contrasting colours.
BBPA Disability Awareness Primer Course
In partnership with Tourism for All we have created an online disability awareness training. Tourism for All is a national charity and the voice of accessible tourism and travel in the UK.
Click here to register for the free course.
Once you’ve registered, click here to log in to the BBPA training area. Upon completing the course you will receive a certificate.
Pubs are places where everyone is welcome. It’s where family, friends and colleagues come together and where tourists to this country feel they will see the true, welcoming Britain. But sometimes, without realising it, we put up barriers to that welcome, especially for those who are disabled or less mobile. If a customer can’t access a pub, bar or restaurant then they will go elsewhere. That means that all their family, friends and colleagues will go elsewhere as well. Not only is the business lost but the customer’s experience is zero or even negative.
You will often be the first representative of your business that disabled customers will meet and that gives you a great opportunity, and a great responsibility, to make disabled customers, and all customers, feel comfortable and welcome.
We know that disabled customers tend to come back to establishments where they have had good experiences and to recommend them to others. So, by completing this course and following the tips we provide, you will not only be helping your disabled customers to have a great time, but helping to grow your whole business.
Resources & Action
Armed Forces Covenant
We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families across the industry.
By signing the Covenant we pledge to recognise the skills, experiences, and contributions of the Armed Forces community, and help the sector ensure the community faces no disadvantage in accessing employment, services, or opportunities.
The Open to All Charter
The Charter was developed with the BBPA’s members to promote workplaces that attract and retain a diverse workforce.
By committing to inclusive recruitment, fair treatment and strong support for employees, the Charter strengthens the sector’s ability to develop skilled teams and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Challenge 21 and Challenge 25
The BBPA’s Challenge 21 scheme has been raising awareness among publicans and their staff of the need to be vigilant in preventing underage sales for over 20 years. The scheme serves as a reminder to customers that it is against the law to purchase alcohol if you are under 18, or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18.
World Cup Guidance
Our World Cup guidance, produced in partnership with UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the Local Government Association and the National Police Chiefs’ Council aims to encourage police, licensing authorities and the licensed trade to work together to ensure the safe and successful showing of football tournaments in pubs.
Long Live the Local
Our Long Live The Local Campaign exists to save pubs in communities across the UK through reducing the unfair tax burden on our sector.
Add your support, it only takes two minutes but could help your beloved local stay open.
Joint Member Survey
Each quarter, the BBPA along with other hospitality trade bodies (the British Institute of Innkeeping, Hospitality Ulster and UKHospitality) survey our members across a range of topics to gauge sentiment and collect data on business operations.
The responses represent approximately a wide range of hospitality sites across the UK.
Latest Employment & Skills Consultations
The government is seeking views through open consultations related to employment and workforce policy as part of its Employment Rights Act.
England Pub Business Rates Calculator
We have developed a practical and easy to use calculator to help publicans estimate what their business rates are likely to be.
