The BBPA has published an essential guide on how to make pubs as accessible as possible, and the significant business benefits this brings. The guide has been given a warm welcome and a call to action from legendary Paralympian, Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, who has written the foreword.
An open welcome – Why being accessible is good for your pub, is available on the BBPA website and highlights the benefits of making a pub venue as accessible as possible for disabled customers, and why being accessible is good for business, too.
Over one quarter (27%) of the UK population have a long-standing health problem or disability. 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. Information is one of the most useful things that a pub can provide to customers with access needs.
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.
Writing in the guide’s foreword, Dame Tanni Gray Thompson DBE, says:
“With visitors coming from all over the world, there has never been such a good time for the Great British Pub to capitalise on its reputation as the home of hospitality and be as accessible as possible to all … Be inspired by the tips and examples of best practice in this booklet and see what you can do, because if there is one specific and tangible legacy that this year’s Olympics and Paralympics can leave behind, it is one of access and inclusion for all.”
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, adds:
“Pubs are rightly praised for their warm welcome and excellent service. With over ten million people with access needs in England alone, this guide provides a handy reference tool for publicans and their staff on how to go that extra mile in making all customers feel welcome.”
Download the guide now:
An open welcome – Why being accessible is good for your pub is available on the BBPA website click here