Vocation Brewery to plead ‘not guilty’ to sewage allegations
Yorkshire’s Vocation brewery has responded to accusations that it attempted to cover up breached agreements over the waste water it was allowed to empty into the sewer system. Jessica Mason reports.
The brewery, based in Hebden Bridge, has been charged with one count of fraud and nine counts of contravening conditions of consent between 20 February 2022 and 15 June 2023. The charges, which were issued to the brewery on Wednesday at a hearing at Bradford Crown Court, have led to the brewery being set a provisional trial date for 1 November 2027.
Responding to the allegations
Speaking to the drinks business, a spokesperson for Vocation said: “The charges relate to matters from over two years ago, involving alleged issues instigated by individuals who are no longer part of our business.”
Vocation has recently enjoyed a brand makeover which involved rolling out new packaging to mark a “new chapter” for the business. The brewery, which was founded by John Hickling in 2015 and now brews over 10 million pints a year, is best known for beers such as Life & Death IPA and Crush Hour hazy pale ale. As part of the new look, Vocation reintroduced its eye icon which is prominent on the packaging to make it stand out on shelf in supermarkets and in bars and has recently stated that it has a “focus on crafting beers of substance”.
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This year, the business has also been celebrating its 10th anniversary by launching a limited-edition beers and bringing back favourite brews to pubs and bars across the UK.
No environmental damage, loss or danger
The spokesperson explained: “Allegations have been made about the level and volume of brewing waste water that entered the sewage treatment network. Yorkshire Water do not suggest that any actual environmental damage, loss or immediate danger, was caused as a result of these alleged offences.”
Although a plea has not yet been made, the spokesperson told db: “Vocation Brewery is pleading not guilty to all charges.”
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