Smoke Lab Partners with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School to Launch India’s First LGBTQIA++ Bartending Training Program

New Delhi, March ‘25: Smoke Lab, India’s pioneering premium spirits brand, has partnered with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School and Keshav Suri Foundation to launch the country’s first bartending training program for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This initiative aims to provide them with professional training and career opportunities in the hospitality industry. As part of its ongoing CSR efforts, Smoke Lab is committed to fostering inclusivity and professional growth through this groundbreaking program.

Scheduled from April 1st to April 5th, 2024, the training will take place at The Lalit Suri Hospitality School in Faridabad and will be led by internationally renowned bartender and LGBTQIA++ advocate, Fay Barretto from Mr. Bartender & The Crew. The program offers hands-on training in bartending techniques, cocktail crafting, and hospitality essentials while celebrating the vibrant history and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community within the industry. Participants will undergo a learning experience covering the fundamentals of bartending, cocktail mastery with a focus on the rainbow spectrum for the upcoming Pride Month (June).

This initiative is a partnership, spearheaded by Varun Jain, Founder and CEO of Smoke Lab, and Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Founder, Keshav Suri Foundation. Both leaders share a vision of creating diverse, inclusive spaces and providing equal opportunities in the hospitality sector. “As a brand committed to sustainability and inclusivity, Smoke Lab believes in giving back to the community in meaningful ways. This collaboration with The Lalit is a step towards fostering professional opportunities for the LGBTQAI++ community, enabling them to thrive in the hospitality industry,” said Varun Jain.

Keshav Suri added, “We are committed to creating inclusive opportunities for all. This partnership is a step towards fostering skill development and financial independence for LGBTQIA+ bartenders. Through this initiative, we are empowering them with skills, confidence, and opportunities to build a successful future. Together we raise the bar for a more diverse and inclusive hospitality industry”

Fay Barretto said. “I started Mr. Bartender & The Crew with a vision to make bars more inclusive. We used to train women and members of the community and inducted them in different bars we consulted for. I’ve waited for this day for a long time and The Keshav Suri Foundation along with Smoke Lab and The Lalit Group is making this vision turn to reality with The BootCamp experience! Can’t Wait.

More than just a training program, this initiative represents a movement towards an inclusive future, where talent is nurtured regardless of gender identity or economic background. The participants will showcase their newly acquired skills in a grand finale event led by Fay Barret and her team, highlighting the art of mixology in an inclusive and celebratory environment.