CAMRA begins next stage of Revitalisation project

A second survey has been launched by CAMRA as part of its Revitalisation project into the direction of the campaign group's future.

The survey follows more than 20,000 members completing the initial round of questioning with an additional 1,000 making their views heard face-to-face at one of the 25 consultation meetings across the UK

CAMRA has reported that members hold a wide range of opinions on how the organisation should progress and who it should represent - as illustrated in The Morning Advertiser's exclusive interview with Tim Page last month.

A further 20 members' meetings are still to take place, and CAMRA said that it expected 'the range of opinions will continue to grow'. 

The steering committee for the project has also been collating views across the pub and brewing industries, as well as undertaking discussions with politicians. It has commissioned analysis on the key economic, political and social developments influencing the environment CAMRA operates within, including the threats and opportunities presented by societal changes, consumer spending habits, and brewing technology - as well as anti-alcohol and health campaigning.

The committee has also decided there are several key issues that need to be explored with further consultation - resulting in the new survey.

Committee chairman Michael Hardman said: “We’ve got some big questions to tackle. Should CAMRA continue to support and promote real cider and perry, or would both campaigns benefit from being run separately? Is it better to focus our campaigning on real ale, or do we need to widen our support to other types of beer to follow developments in consumer trends and brewing technology?

"Do we limit our campaigning to encouraging the drinking of beer in pubs and clubs only, or would it support the brewing industry more effectively to stretch our activity to advocating buying and drinking beer in a wide variety of different establishments?

“Only you, our members, can help the steering committee refine the proposals it will make for the future direction of CAMRA. We need to know where CAMRA should position itself in relation to the type of drink it advocates and the places where it encourages people to drink.

“Throughout this process your views as members have been fundamental and will continue to be. The information you give us will help the committee construct detailed proposals to present to the National Executive, with the membership having the final say when it votes on a proposal at CAMRA's Members' Weekend in Bournemouth in April 2017.”

CAMRA members are invited to complete the survey by clicking here.