Protecting Cornish Beer: calls to government
Cornwall’s beer lovers are sounding the alarm after brewing giant Molson Coors announced the closure of Sharp’s Brewery in Rock-and the move of its famous Doom Bar production out of the county.
Pub campaign group CAMRA Kernow is calling for a “Cornish pasty-style” legal guarantee to stop beers branded as Cornish from being brewed elsewhere.
The group says it wants the same kind of protection that means only pasties made in Cornwall can be called Cornish pasties, warning that if Doom Bar-and other Sharp’s beers-are brewed outside the Duchy, they shouldn’t be marketed as Cornish.
The call comes as Cornwall’s pubs and breweries face a “devastating” stretch of closures and job losses, with local favourites like the Pityme Inn in Rock and the Golden Lion in Port Isaac among those recently shutting their doors.
Vince Curtis, Vice Chairman of CAMRA Kernow, said:
“Whether it’s the team that have lost their jobs, or Cornish locals losing more of our proud brewing heritage, this is just another blow during a tough time."
"If you’re shutting the brewery, you can’t keep claiming that Doom Bar is a Cornish beer. It’s misleading for consumers and insulting to Cornwall’s brewing legacy.”
CAMRA Kernow is urging the Government to change the law so only beer actually brewed in Cornwall can be branded Cornish - just like with pasties.
The group is also warning Molson Coors that any attempt to market Sharp’s beers as Cornish will be met with a “robust and vocal campaign”.
National CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer echoed the warning, calling it “a disgrace” to brew iconic Cornish beers outside the county, and urging Government action to protect local brewers and beer lovers.
CAMRA Kernow says it will be writing formally to Molson Coors, and is encouraging drinkers to stand up for Cornish beer and brewing jobs.