Bid to save bawdy beer names
19 August, 2008
Petition launched over fears Portman Group is stopping individuality and humour
A petition has been launched to save “bawdy beer names” from the censors.
Beer writer Melissa Cole wants to stop industry watchdog the Portman Group from stamping out individuality and humour in British brewing.
The petition says: “The watchdog is over-reacting to completely irrelevant labelling issues that will do nothing to combat the underlying issues that surround drinking in this country but what it could do is seriously damage the already under-pressure artisan brewing industry.”
Recent targets have included Brew Dog and the Orkney Brewery.
Cole told thepublican.com: “The issue we have is the Portman Group does not use common sense and has a set criteria which does not allow for a sense of humour.”
Cole argues that “fun, humorous and even bawdy beer names” are part of our national heritage and should be left alone.
She added: “Ale drinkers, by and large, are not the cause of trouble on the streets of our towns and cities.”
However a spokesman for the Portman group said: "The industry owns the Code which applies fairly to all producers, large and small. There's nothing stopping producers using humour as long as it's done responsibly."
To sign the petition click on the link on the right.
Readers' comments
Do not forget, the Portman Group is 'owned' by the big brewers and distillers. Anything to kill off competition, however small.
Do we actually need the Portman group,and Drinks Aware?