Raising the bar for the licensed trade!

Following an extremely difficult 3 months for the hospitality trade, the roadmap to re-opening licensed venues has now been set. In Scotland outdoor hospitality venues will be able to re-open from the 6^th July, with indoor hospitality venues being able to open from the 15^th July (both subject to physical distancing rules and public health advice). To support the recovery of pubs and bars Diageo has announced a new global programme to support pubs and bars to welcome customers back and recover following the COVID-19 pandemic. “Raising the Bar” will be a two-year programme available from July 2020.

Through “Raising the Bar”, Diageo will provide £80 million to support the recovery of major hospitality centres across the globe, with £4m earmarked for Scottish pubs and bars.

The “Raising the Bar” programme followed a global survey of bar owners to identify what they need to reopen after lockdown. Their top priorities include hygiene measures, digital support and practical equipment to transform how their outlets will work.

The “Raising the Bar” programme will provide targeted support to help pay for the physical equipment needed for outlets to re-open. In the UK, Diageo will provide initial funding for: ‘hygiene kits’ with high-quality permanent sanitiser dispense units, medical grade hand sanitiser and a range of personal protection equipment (such as masks and gloves); help to pubs and bars to establish partnerships with online reservations and cashless systems; mobile bars and outdoor equipment.

From 24 June 2020, bar owners will be able to register their interest for the “Raising the Bar” programme via www.mydiageo.com in the UK and Ireland. Bar owners will receive regular updates on best practice training and resources and be able to participate in global surveys to share insights, as they build back their businesses.