With a growing number of pubs wanting to show their support for Pride Month and LGBTQIA+ events, Star Pubs has produced free point-of-sale kits for its licensees.
Over 100 of these packs have been created, each including flags, A3 window vinyls and bunting. On top of that initiative, 10 of Star’s flagship pubs in cities with major Pride Festivals, such as Brighton, Edinburgh and Manchester, will also receive café barriers and T- shirts.
Market research has found that customers attach some importance to inclusivity when choosing to visit a venue. Around six out of ten 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.
Head of retail for Star Pubs, Cathy Olver, said: “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.”
By way of a case study, Star highlighted The Church on Canal Street in Manchester, which has a long history as an LGBTQIA+ venue and is a much-loved fixture of the city’s gay village and is one of the pubs receiving a Pride point-of-sale kit.
As well as being known for a great night out, The Church prides itself on providing a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and hosts meetings for a wide range of social groups. Licensee John Hamilton, a former community worker, trains his team to support customers in need of help or guidance and the pub also raises thousands of pounds every year for LGBTQIA+ charities such as The George House Trust, The LGBT Foundation and Sparkle.
John said: “The Pride promotional materials are a great way for pubs of all kinds to demonstrate their inclusivity and for licensees to educate their teams on the importance of being welcoming to all.
“Marking Pride isn’t just about customers though. In my experience it can make a real difference to staff, too, giving those in the LGBTQIA+ community who lack confidence the strength to come out and be themselves.”
