Food-led pubs to get SRA accreditation

It is thought that the SRA hopes to have the bespoke scheme ready for the first quarter of next year and believes it will be particularly useful for the tenanted pub sector.

The association currently has a number of pub group members, such as Peach Pub Company, Geronimo Inns and, more recently, Mitchells & Butlers (M&B).

Best practice​

Freehold owner Andrew Coggins believes the move could encourage more pubs to adopt sustainable practices. The Preston Park Tavern in Brighton, East Sussex, has been a member of the SRA for three years and earlier this year won the Most Sustainable Pub of the Year award from the organisation.

"We are an active supporter of the SRA and in favour of doing all we can in pubs to raise the issue of sustainability and also provide best practices to other people," said Coggins.

"The challenge the SRA has is that some people get a little put off by the accreditation process, so it needs to make things as simple as possible. I think the scheme will increase the number of pubs looking to improve their sustainability."

Activities​

To become a member of the SRA, businesses have to pledge to be more sustainable, commit to the organisation’s values and take on at least three new sustainable activities included in the association’s charter of actions, which could include offering tap water, supporting a charity or providing a vegetarian option.

Each year that an operator is a member of the SRA, it has to pledge to a further three sustainable activities.

Earlier this year, the SRA developed the first ever sustainability accreditation for food destinations, after its research found that 70% of consumers would choose a sustainable restaurant given the option, and more than half would pay more for the dining experience.