Pubs have been an essential part of Australian culture ever since the Macquarie Arms Hotel in Windsor, NSW, became the first such venue to welcome patrons, back in 1815.
Indeed, so ingrained is going to the pub in the DNA of the average Aussie that over 11 million people do so at least once in every three months across the Great Southern Land.
But pubs today are more than just places to grab a beer or enjoy a meal. They also serve as social hubs where people gather to connect, relax, and engage with their neighbours, work colleagues and like-minded people.
In addition, beyond this traditional role, pubs can also play an integral part in supporting vulnerable members of society.
For the likes of the elderly, those experiencing financial hardship, and others living with disabilities, pubs have the potential to make a significant and positive impact in their lives.
If you currently run or work in a pub, here’s how you can do your bit to support the most vulnerable members of your local community.
1. Create an Inclusive Environment
There was a time when women, gay people and individuals of colour were not welcomed into pubs in Australia. In fact, the former were only legally permitted to buy their own drinks in March 1970 when section 59A of the Liquor Act was repealed.
Even today, many people perceive Aussie pubs as being the domain of white males, and in particular, bogans – especially in more rural areas. For this reason, some people avoid them completely.
Pubs, however, can go a long way towards eradicating this perception and, therefore, increasing their customer base by making their venues more inclusive to the elderly, people with disabilities, refugees and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Good ways to do this include rebranding your pub, hiring staff that represent the diversity you want to attract, and marketing your venue in a way that promotes heterogeneity.
2. Promote or Partner Local Charities and Support Services
Arguably, one of the most impactful ways pubs can support vulnerable community members is by promoting or partnering with local charities and support services that help them.
This can be done in several ways, including putting up posters or notice boards that advise of critical support networks for domestic violence hotlines, drug and alcohol addiction or disability home care services with United For Care.
Additionally, pubs can also assist by sponsoring or hosting events that raise funds for local causes, for instance, homelessness, poverty or health-related issues.
3. Provide More Affordable and Food-Tolerant Meals
Unfortunately, the rising cost of living in Australia is putting a serious strain on many households, and the most vulnerable members of the community are often the ones who are hit the hardest.
Many Australian pubs already run initiatives such as ‘Seniors’ Lunches’ or ‘Cheap Tuesdays’, where they offer meals at discounted prices to accommodate those on tight budgets.
However, they can also change their menu to include more dishes that cater to those with food allergies. Apparently, upwards of 25 per cent of Aussies believe they have a food intolerance.
Therefore, if you can add more gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and egg-free meal options to your menu, you’ll create a more inclusive dining experience, especially if you include internationally inspired recipes to it.
4. Combat Loneliness
Loneliness and isolation are significant challenges for many Australians, especially older or single people, individuals who live far from away from family members, and those facing challenges with their mental and physical health.
One way that pubs can make a difference in their lives is by providing regular social activities that encourage community participation, such as trivia nights, live music, or special theme nights.
As well as providing them with lots of entertainment, these events create opportunities for social interaction, which in turn can help people form new friendships and connections, offer a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness.
In addition to these more traditional events, pubs can also organise specific social engagements aimed at particularly vulnerable groups. This could include a ‘Pint and Chat’ session for seniors or a ‘Mental Health Mondays’, which could provide dedicated times for individuals to come together in a safe and supportive environment.
These types of gatherings could also include guest speakers from local mental health services or community leaders, which could provide attendees with valuable information and support.
5. Employment Opportunities
For the most vulnerable members of the community, especially women, young people and those struggling to find jobs, pubs can offer employment opportunities.
These can be flexible, part-time roles, both behind the bar and in the administration side of things, that can significantly help those individuals who are most in need of work.
As well as working for the pub itself, it is a good idea to host mini job fairs within your venue on a regular basis that bring together employers with job seekers for an initial introduction in a relaxed and informal environment.
