‘Beer sexism’ not on CAMRA AGM agenda
Some 20 motions have been approved for discussion at its AGM and members’ weekend in Nottingham later this month (17-19 April).
Glasgow-based beer blogger and CAMRA member Robbie Pickering had submitted a motion calling for action to make beer festivals more welcoming to women and for organisers to refrain from ordering beers that have inappropriate or sexist names or pump clips. He also called for a “zero-tolerance approach” to sexism and harassment.
However, the Conference Procedures Committee decided that the measures called for were already CAMRA policy, which pledges to treat everyone fairly “regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, ethnic or socio-economic background”.
A spokesman added: “Beer festival organisers already have the discretion to turn away beers and merchandise or vendors if they wish, for a variety of reasons including that they feel they are unsuitable for reasons of discrimination.”
'Disappointed'
Pickering told the PMA: “The motion was rejected on the grounds that everything we were proposing was already CAMRA policy and/or the law of the land. It’s good that our main points are uncontentious, but as the point of bringing a motion to the AGM was to raise the profile of the issue, I am a bit disappointed that it will not be on the agenda.”
Policy proposals up for debate in Nottingham include a national campaign for the abolition of the late-night levy with further support for local branches to oppose councils considering introducing the measure.
Delegates also want action on the “distasteful practice” that some pubs operate in charging drinkers purchasing a half pint more than the actual proportional cost.
