Licensed Trade Charity

The Licensed Trade Charity, established in 1793 by publicans and formalised by royal charter in 1836, supports current, former, and retired workers in the UK licensed hospitality sector—pubs, bars, and breweries—and their immediate families facing crisis. Evolving through mergers (notably 2004 with Licensed Victuallers National Homes) and a 2018 charter expansion, it emphasises compassion, practical action, dignity, and tailored interventions to foster resilience and long-term wellbeing. Distinctively sector-embedded, it generates income via trading subsidiaries, investments, and three schools (LVS Ascot, Hassocks, and Oxford), prioritising fee discounts and bursaries for trade-affiliated children while open to the public.

It funds crisis responses to financial hardship, illness, infirmity, old age, mental health, bereavement, domestic abuse, and housing issues through direct grants (e.g., rent arrears, debt relief, mobility aids, school uniforms, funeral costs), wellbeing guidance, employment/housing advice, benefits support, and specialist referrals. Education is a pillar, with bursaries for trips and needs. Beneficiaries must prove licensed trade ties (via HMRC or consent forms); no support for those without this connection.

Grants up to £5,000 are awarded rolling via individual assessment—no fixed deadlines or meetings. Start with helpline (0808 801 0550) or email for triage, then submit online form with bank statements, income/expenditure details; home visits possible. Excludes organisations, ongoing/long-term needs, care/legal fees, or business costs—targeting acute, personal hardship only. Its trade-led board and collaborations with occupational charities ensure hyper-focused, proactive aid, differentiating it as hospitality's enduring safety net.