{"id":3326,"date":"2023-01-23T12:39:26","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T12:39:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/londondrinker.camra.org.uk\/wordpress\/?p=3326"},"modified":"2023-01-25T13:34:49","modified_gmt":"2023-01-25T13:34:49","slug":"news-and-views-jan-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/londondrinker.camra.org.uk\/wordpress\/index.php\/2023\/01\/23\/news-and-views-jan-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"News and views – Jan 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

PROMOTING CASK BEER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A group of brewers and trade bodies has come together to launch a new initiative to promote cask beer. The Drink Cask Fresh campaign will offer a \u2018digital experience\u2019 to educate younger drinkers as to cask beer\u2019s advantages, such as being fresh, handmade and usually artisan and locally produced. This will be supported by a range of point of sales materials to enhance the look of cask beer in pubs, such as handpull wraps, glassware, and other promotional materials. A ten week pilot exercise will start in February, during which a number of pubs taking part will be compared to others who are not, so as to assess the campaign\u2019s impact. If all goes well, the campaign will be launched nationally in June. The breweries taking part are Lincoln, Robinsons, Asahi, Greene King, Hog\u2019s Back, Timothy Taylors, Arkells, Harvey\u2019s, Shepherd Neame and Wadworth. They have the support of CAMRA, the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) and the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, Greene King have launched an initiative of their own within the trade. Called the Cask Iron Guarantee, GK will give customers in the free trade refunds or credit notes for any cask ale that goes out of date. Many pubs will not try different beers in case they do not sell but, under this scheme, they can now claim a refund for any unbroached casks that they return and credits for part-used casks that go out of date while on sale. The offer is only available on GK\u2019s own beers but does include seasonal beers. Hopefully, this will also reduce the amount of stale beer on sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


NEW PUBS MINISTER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Somewhat belatedly, I can report that, as from 27 October, Kevin Hollinrake, the MP for Thirsk and Malton, is the minister responsible for pubs in his capacity as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). He replaces Dean Russell, the MP for Watford, who held the post for 37 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP FUND<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 10 December, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced the projects that are to be funded from the second round of Community Ownership Fund awards. The purpose of the fund (total value \u00a3150 million) is to help community groups take ownership of local institutions that have fallen into disrepair or are under threat of closure and give them a new lease of life, thus ensuring they continue to provide vital services and boost local economies.
The first round saw over \u00a310 million awarded to 38 successful projects across the UK. For the second round, the eligibility requirements were extended and the procedure simplified and a total of \u00a36.67 million is now going to 30 projects, including a hospice, sports facilities and community centres. Four pubs are on the list, including the Honest Miller in Brook, Kent (TN25 5PG), which overlooks the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the 16th century Hop Pole Inn in Limpley Stoke, Wiltshire (BA2 7FS). CAMRA\u2019s national chairman, Nik Antona, commented, \u201cOur locals are much more than just pubs or social clubs; they are cornerstones of community life which bring people together, provide local services and help to tackle loneliness and isolation. That\u2019s why the Community Ownership Fund is so important, offering a lifeline for groups who want to save or re-open their local for the benefit of their community. With community-owned pubs becoming more commonplace up and down the country, it is really encouraging to know that more beloved venues will now be able to open their doors once again thanks to this new funding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CORONATION SPECIAL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Government are considering allowing pubs to remain open until 1am over the weekend of 5 to 7 May in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III. A consultation was begun before Christmas, with the minister responsible for policing, Chris Philip, telling fellow MPs, \u201cOpportunities to gather with our families, friends and local communities were severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. His Majesty the King\u2019s Coronation provides an opportunity to come together and celebrate this great nation and enjoy our renewed ability to spend time together in marketing this historic occasion.\u201d The various hospitality industry trade bodies have given the idea enthusiastic support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wonder if we will see any Coronation Ales being produced. If they are, they will be covered here!
You can keep up to date with these and other stories via CAMRA\u2019s London Region Twitter feed @CAMRA_London<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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