Watch out for fake handpumps

CAMRA's ‘Handpump Hijack’ campaign is concerned with the misleading dispense of beer, in reaction to the launch of ‘Fresh Ale’ by Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company. At present, the ‘Fresh Ale’ range are keg versions of three of CMBC’s cask beers: - Wainwright Amber - Wainwright Gold, and - Hobgoblin IPA

These will be served to consumers through handpumps on the bar. CMBC have stated that they intend to increase the number of ‘Fresh Ale’ versions from their portfolio of cask beers.

It may be difficult to identify where misleading dispense is taking place. CMBC have said that their ‘Fresh Ales’ should be labelled as ‘brewery conditioned’ on the pump clip and will be served from a cask handpump. CAMRA does not yet have any examples of such pump clips in use.

‘Fresh Ales’ may appear in Stonegate pubs as well as Marston's pubs.

Otter Brewery also has a ‘Fresh Ale’, which is a keg beer. This is served from a font tap at the bottom of a tall silver handle that is designed to look like a modern handpump. Otter have said that they will make changes to the font to reduce its height and differentiate it from a handpump. However, if you find the beer being served via the tap with the long silver handle, please report it to us, as this counts as 'misleading dispense'.

If in doubt, always politely ask a member of staff whether a beer is a keg or a cask conditioned beer. You may need to speak to a manager or the licensee to get a clear answer. If you do come across ‘Fresh Ale’ at a pub, please: - email ku.gro.armac.nodyorc@sbup with the details, and - if possible, take a photo of the pump clip and include that in your email

Thank you.