Believe in equality in beer? Then take this survey

There are just a few days left to take part in an equality and inclusivity survey for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) that could help everyone who loves beer feel a part of its future.

CAMRA, which launched the survey into inclusivity, diversity, and equality for its campaign and events, unwittingly became part of a backlash recently calling its actions ‘woke’.

In response to national media headlines making suggestions that CAMRA planned to drive its pale and male members out, a tirade of racist, sexist, xenophobic and homophobic commentary ensued, much to the sadness of the rest of the industry.

However, CAMRA hadn’t done anything to ruffle feathers and there were and are no plans to drive anyone out of its campaign. In fact, it had simply launched a questionnaire to uphold the safeguarding of people – a pledge to listen and to make sure that everyone was treated fairly and equally from hereon in. Indeed, its investigation, rooted more in a desire to assess the group’s current levels of inclusivity and help everyone feel welcome, was not the leap into the abyss the press had positioned, but more a solid step in the right direction.

The awfulness and ridiculousness of the outrage and slurs were elegantly summarised by beer writer of the year Pete Brown, where he highlighted how “whatever age, weight, ethnicity, gender, sex, colour, race or sexual orientation you are. The whole point of this is that everyone matters”.

CAMRA has politely asked both members and non-members to share their experiences and feedback on interactions with the campaign, such as at beer festivals and its communications, but “the press whipped up public outrage and the rest is simply bluster,” said sources, adding: “Everyone is just hoping that people know the intentions are good and so will whatever they do. We all just want it to be a move towards it being the fantastic club we know it can be. For everyone and not just a few”.

CAMRA vice-chairman Abigail Newton said:”It’s become increasingly clear that this is one of the most important issues the entire hospitality industry needs to address, and it’s important that CAMRA plays a part in ensuring everyone feels welcome and safe in the beer and cider world, in pubs, clubs, at beer festivals and our events. We have taken steps over the years towards this, but it’s clear from what we’ve been told and what our volunteers experience themselves, that we need to do more to find out where we can remove anything which makes people feel less than included and welcome, and how we can play a part in positive changes across the industry.

Newton added: “A love of beer and pubs is for everyone and this is not a zero-sum game. Making beer, pubs and festivals more welcoming to a wider and more diverse group of people benefits everyone involved – from licensees to breweries, to organisations like CAMRA – and takes absolutely nothing away from those who already enjoy them.”

If you believe in equality in beer, take the survey by visiting this link and have your say. It will be running until 14 February and all responses are anonymous.