The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has been throwing its support behind an initiative celebrating Britain’s cask ale, as new research suggests cask beer drinkers are the biggest supporters of pubs.
Cask Ale Week, which ends 30 September, is a campaign organised annually by Cask Marque, celebrating Britain's cask ale with many pubs and breweries putting on events, promotions and festivals. CAMRA has been encouraging its members to host and attend events to celebrate Britain’s national drink, as well as sharing information about Cask Ale Week promotions on social media.
With the celebration well underway, new research has suggested that cask beer drinkers are bigger supporters of pubs than those who drink other kinds of alcohol. The research by YouGov showed that 61% of regular real ale drinkers said the pub is the place they most enjoy drinking socially, compared to 32% of those who consume other alcoholic drinks.
CAMRA’s most recent statistics still put pub closures at a high rate, with 18 closing every week. At the end of October, a Mass Lobby Day will be held at Westminster to encourage MPs to commit to CAMRA’s three point plan to save the Great British pub:
- Axing plans to increase beer duty in the upcoming Autumn Budget.
- Granting a permanent business rate relief for pubs in the upcoming Autumn Budget.
- Having an urgent review of the Pubs Code so that the Market Rent Only option becomes a genuine choice for tenants.
CAMRA’s Chief Communications Officer, Tom Stainer, said, 'We are delighted to be joining in the Cask Ale Week celebrations to help promote Britain’s national drink, cask ale. It is great to see that real ale drinkers are the biggest supporters of the pubs and still enjoy heading down to their local for a pint of their favourite beer - and makes it clear why it's so beneficial to pubs to make sure they stock quality real ale.
“Pubs are still at as much risk as ever, with 17 a week closing across the country. Our planned Mass Lobby Day is intended to stem the tide of pub closures and save the pub from extinction. We're urging MPs from across the country to meet with our members on the Lobby Day, so they can hear why pubs are so important and what they can do to help.'