Parliament and Pubs

Discussing Ales with friends a at local Pub 

EXTON, HAMPSHIRE
Don't say the British Parliament doesn't address the most important issues. Arguably the most significant  legislation in the later half of the 20th century was the Guest Bitter Act.   In the 80's the pubs in the UK were in crisis.  There were fewer and fewer beers being offered on tap, they were all tasting the same and more and more "continental" or, even worse, American! Something needed to happen.  After effective lobbying (yes, it exists in the UK too) a law was passed requiring each pub to provide at least one guest ale on tap.  The problem was that most pubs are owned by one of a few major breweries (Fuller, Shepherd Neame, etc.).  Only when forced did these companies sell other brewery's beers in their pub.  With the passage of the new law a ale renaissance occurred.  Now in every part of the UK there are  local ales available from the county if not the town.  The complaint today (naturally there needs to be something to worry-out-loud-about over a beer in the pub), according to our friend who lives in a small town in the Midlands is that when you find a great new ale it may not be there the next time you order it at your pub.  Replaced by an upstart.


Peter