In quasi-answer to I Am A Craft Brewer, Britain’s Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has released a video of their own: Proud of British Beer. It’s very well produced, and I like that they included not just brewers, but also farmers, publicans and salespeople to show the entire chain from farm to glass. It was also great seeing so many familiar faces.
Of course, the original video was made for a trade conference, whereas SIBA’s effort seems aimed directly at consumers, and especially those that might be on the fence about whether or not to support Britain’s beer industry. I love the end, because it goes after the wisdom of more and more taxes on beer, a situation similar to what’s happening in America, too. The answer, of course — here as there — is that neo-prohibitionst and anti-alcohol groups are using the weakened economy to further their agenda of attacking and punishing alcohol for its perceived sins. It’s great to see the brewing industry fighting back, something that I feel desperately needs to happen in the U.S., too. But over here, the media tends to pay a disproportionate amount of attention to well-funded anti-alcohol propaganda while ignoring any contrary opinions. If our national discourse on alcohol is anything, it’s certainly not fair or balanced.
One reason Proud of British Beer is so good is that the script was written by Pete Brown, and you can read his thoughts about Proud of British Beer on his blog. Pete’s a kindred spirit when it comes to the neo-prohibitionists and he makes an important case for beer in the UK. Well done, Pete!
From SIBA’s Vimeo page:
“Proud of British Beer” is a short film produced by the Society of Independent Brewers. It features brewers, both large and small, hop and barley growers, maltsters and industry suppliers. Our concerns are that the continued above inflation increases in beer duty are destroying this indigenous British industry. Pubs, which are an integral part of the fabric of British society are also being forced to close at the rate of 29 per week. This cannot be allowed to continue.
We are proud of British beer. Are you?