The Great British Beer Festival – Winter saw the introduction of CAMRA’s new code of conduct for beer festivals. CAMRA welcomes all visitors to our festivals and seeks to provide an inclusive and comfortable environment in which to enjoy beer and cider, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disabilities or socio-economic status. Comments or behaviour that discriminate against, harass, or demean others will not be tolerated. The code aims to make CAMRA festivals better for everyone by ensuring that both customers and volunteers know how and where they can get assistance if they need it. It is predicated on the understanding that anyone attending a CAMRA festival, whether they are visitors, volunteers or external company representatives, accepts the need to treat each other fairly and with respect.
Similarly, breweries, cider producers and other vendors attending the festival must also agree not to use discriminatory marketing to promote their products. Any such material will not be permitted and may be removed from the event.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses comments or behaviour contrary to the code is asked to report it to the festival management. The easiest way of doing this is to speak to a CAMRA steward. The quicker the incident is reported, the more likely it is that it will be resolved effectively. Alternatively, you can use the ‘Feedback and Complaints’ form on the CAMRA website here.
Those found to be in breach of this code may face an official warning about their behaviour or be removed from the festival. Members of CAMRA found to be in breach of the code may also be subject to CAMRA’s disciplinary procedures, which can result in expulsion and barring from the Campaign.
The Feedback and Complaints form cam also be used be used to offer suggestions as to how festivals can be improved or even let us know what we are doing well.
The Festival Code of Conduct is to be rolled out to all following CAMRA festivals, including the ones advertised in this magazine. You can read the code of conduct in full here.