Pubs demonstrate support for Pride Month

A growing number of on-trade businesses are embracing inclusivity and showing their support for Pride Month (1–30 June). 

Stonegate Group, the UK's largest pub and bar operator, is launching its Serving With Pride campaign to coincide with this year's event. The initiative highlights the group's commitment to inclusivity, uniting venues across its portfolio under a banner of allyship and celebration. 

To mark the occasion, Stonegate venues are offering a range of Pride-themed drinks, including no- and low-alcohol options. This year, the group is also collaborating with Stonewall Housing – a leading national LGBTQIA+ charity that supports individuals facing homelessness or unsafe living conditions. For every sponsored serve sold during the campaign, 10p will be donated to the charity. 

Elsewhere in the industry, St Austell Brewery has partnered with Cornwall Pride as part of its commitment to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, with the two organisations working together on a special charity Pride Month beer.

Pride kits for pubs

With a growing number of pubs wanting to support Pride Month and events, pub and bar operator Star Pubs has produced free point-of-sale kits for licensees. 

Over 100 have been created at a cost of £7,500. Each includes flags, A3 window vinyls and bunting. Ten flagship pubs in cities with major Pride Festivals, such as Brighton, Edinburgh and Manchester, will also receive café barriers and T-shirts.

Licensees' desire to highlight that their pubs are welcoming to all aligns with a recent study by Heineken, which revealed the importance customers attach to inclusivity. Around six in 10 people are more likely to visit pubs that are inclusive, with this increasing to three-quarters of those identifying as LGBTQIA+, 82% of people with accessibility needs and 73% of ethnic minorities. 

Cathy Olver, head of retail at Star Pubs, comments: "Good pubs are all about providing a warm, friendly environment where everyone in the communities they serve feels welcome and at home. As more places round the country start holding their own Pride events, licensees are keen to demonstrate their backing and highlight their pub's inclusiveness. We expect this celebration of Pride to increase in pubs going forward."

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