Hospitality is the second most diverse industry in the UK. 43% of industry workers in London alone are from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, with the industry also attracting high numbers of people from queer and neurodivergent communities and identities. However, if we look at those in higher positions across the drinks sector, we notice that they feature a very narrow demographic, with minoritised people almost always found in lower-level roles with little access to career progression. This was exacerbated during Covid and Brexit, with 26 times the number of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic people losing their jobs across the UK compared to white workers.
It is therefore more vital than ever to champion equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within our industry, setting a clear example of how we can do better, and shining a light on the incredible, varied pool of talent and personalities that exist within our vibrant industry.
This is why London Cocktail Week has partnered with Equal Measures UK – the country's leading non-profit dedicated to delivering intersectional equity, diversity & inclusion, from bar to boardroom, in the drinks and hospitality industries. It does this by supporting anyone who has faced systemic barriers to their career progression, enriching possibilities for those who are Black, Asian, minority ethnic, queer, genderqueer, and/or neurodivergent, as well as working holistically with brands, businesses, and the industry at large, through EDI consultancy, workshops, policy and training.
By conducting a full audit of London Cocktail Week; writing guides, safeguarding policies and procedures; delivering training to bars participating in the festival; engaging its community of diverse bartenders; and more, Equal Measures is working to ensure that London Cocktail Week is more inclusive and representative of our industry from 2024 onwards.
Together, we are paving the way for cocktail bars throughout the capital to become more welcoming for all to work within and visit. This will not only improve sense of belonging and career progression amongst minoritised workers, it has also been proven to increase revenue, reduce staff turnover, improve productivity and creativity, and make venues more appealing to a wider range of both jobseekers and customers. With record numbers of hospitality employees prioritising companies which are committed to EDI, and an emphasis on authentic selves and true representation, now is the perfect time to champion inclusivity in the industry and beyond.
Vicky Ilankovan, Executive Director at Equal Measures UK
Equal Measures is the UK's leading non-profit dedicated to delivering intersectional diversity, from bar to boardroom, in the drinks and hospitality industries.
