Smoke Lab, India’s leading premium spirits brand, has joined The Lalit Suri Hospitality School and the Keshav Suri Foundation to launch the nation’s first-ever bartending training program for the LGBTQIA+ community. This groundbreaking initiative aims to equip participants with professional skills and career opportunities in the hospitality sector. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Smoke Lab remains dedicated to fostering inclusivity and professional growth.
Comprehensive Training Led by Industry Experts
Scheduled from April 1st to April 5th, 2024, the program will take place at The Lalit Suri Hospitality School in Faridabad. Internationally acclaimed bartender and LGBTQIA++ advocate Fay Barretto, founder of Mr. Bartender & The Crew, will lead the training. Participants will gain hands-on experience in bartending techniques, cocktail crafting, and hospitality essentials while celebrating the rich history and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community in the industry. The curriculum will also feature a special focus on mixology inspired by the rainbow spectrum, aligning with the upcoming Pride Month in June.
A Vision for Diversity and Equal Opportunities
This initiative is spearheaded by Varun Jain, Founder and CEO of Smoke Lab, and Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation. Both leaders are committed to creating inclusive spaces and equal opportunities in hospitality.
“As a brand dedicated to sustainability and inclusivity, Smoke Lab believes in meaningfully giving back to the community. This collaboration with The Lalit is a step towards fostering professional growth for LGBTQIA++ individuals, enabling them to thrive in the hospitality industry,” said Varun Jain.
Keshav Suri echoed this sentiment: “We are committed to fostering skill development and financial independence for LGBTQIA+ bartenders. This initiative aims to empower them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to build a successful future. We are raising the bar for a more diverse and inclusive hospitality industry.”
Turning Vision into Reality
The program’s lead trainer, Fay Barretto, expressed excitement about this initiative. “I started Mr. Bartender & The Crew to make bars more inclusive. We have trained women and LGBTQIA+ individuals, helping them secure placements in various bars we’ve consulted for. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and thanks to The Keshav Suri Foundation, Smoke Lab, and The Lalit Group, this vision is now a reality. The BootCamp experience will be transformational—I can’t wait!”
A Movement Toward an Inclusive Future
This initiative goes beyond training—it represents a step toward a more inclusive future where talent is nurtured regardless of gender identity or economic background. The program will culminate in a grand finale event where participants showcase their newly acquired skills. Led by Fay Barretto and her team, the event will celebrate mixology in a welcoming and diverse environment.
With this pioneering program, Smoke Lab, The Lalit Suri Hospitality School, and the Keshav Suri Foundation are setting new standards for inclusivity in hospitality, ensuring every individual can shine.
