New scheme to recognise pubs selling quality beer

Cask Marque, the organisation formed to drive up the quality of pub beer, is launching a new accreditation scheme to recognise pubs that sell good quality beer.

The organisation, which already runs a quality accreditation scheme for cask ales, will accredit pubs that offer high quality beers, allowing them to display a special ‘All Beer’ plaque outside their doors. This will help consumers identify accredited pubs, according to trade publication the Morning Advertiser.

Pubs in the scheme must meet certain criteria on staff training, cellar hygiene and maintenance (Cask Marque’s Score on the Cellar Doors scheme) and the quality of its beers, it said.

The All Beer Scheme, which is part of a new five-year strategic plan, will also be open to consumers and people working in the off-trade to boost the awareness of good quality beer.

The organisation was formed in 1998 by four breweries to drive up the quality of beer sold in pubs through a training and accreditation scheme. It is supported by a number of breweries and beer companies, and administers a number of events to raise awareness of quality crafted beers.

Last month The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) said beer drinkers needed to have greater clarity on which brands were behind popular craft beers, following a number of high profile buyouts of previously independent craft breweries in the UK by global beer companies.