The BBPA has released an on-line film to promote ‘An Open Welcome’, the Association’s new access guidance for pubs – with the help of legendary Paralympian Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson DBE, who took time out of her busy schedule to support the initiative.
Tanni joined the team at the Duke of York, a Shepherd Neame pub in Borough, London, where she met licensee Lorraine Hart, who has made it a priority to ensure the pub is accessible to all, with a positive and welcoming approach from staff.
BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds and Chairman Jonathan Neame were also joined by Ross Calladine, from Visit England, who have worked closely with the BBPA on producing the guidance, and Sir William Lawrence, Chairman of Tourism for All.
Brigid Simmonds comments:
“We wanted to make a film to give our partners the opportunity to highlight access issues in pubs and the wider hospitality sector and show what simple steps pubs can take to make a positive difference to customers’ pub going experience.
“With 27% of the UK population with long-standing health problems or a disability, being accessible is also good for business. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part – it was hugely generous of Tanni to take time out during the Olympic and Paralympics to come to the Duke of York to help us promote this new guidance. She is a great champion for access in the hospitality sector and beyond.”
The film can be seen on YouTube by clicking here.
An open welcome – Why being accessible is good for your pub
The new BBPA guidance, an open welcome – Why being accessible is good for your pub, highlights the benefits of making a pub venue as accessible as possible for disabled customers, and why access is good for business, too. The guide sets out a range of practical steps pubs can take to help, as well as advising on how to provide an ‘access statement’ to ensure that the information customers need is in place, so they know what to expect from a venue.
Issues such as staff training, improving physical access, signposting and liaising with local authorities are all covered, alongside several case studies from BBPA members showing how taking action has improved their business and helped customers.
For more information on accessibility in pubs click here