Landlords roll out barrels of long-life lager to replace ales
CASK ales are becoming rarer at pubs as the cost of living prompts landlords to opt for longer-lasting kegs of craft beer, lager and ciders, says a leading brewer.
Cask beer demand was “subdued”, amid fears drinkers could stay at home this winter and leave pints to waste, according to Suffolk-based Adnams.
Pubs and bars are stocking more keg beer because it is a “lower risk alternative to cask whilst footfall remains uncertain”, it said.
Once a cask of ale is tapped, its contents must be pulled within three days to remain fresh. Keg beer is pressurised and lasts much longer.
Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said it was “understandable that with the huge pressures pubs are facing, they may look to stock different products”.
“CAMRA is urging the Government to urgently bring forward the promised changes to the way alcohol is taxed by cutting duty on draught beer and cider served in pubs to give pubs the confidence to give their customers what they want – fresh cask beer from local and independent brewers,” said Mr Stainer.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade group Uk-hospitality, said: “What we’re seeing is companies not buying a lot of stock in advance because they don’t want to be tying up lots of cash, particularly going into the winter, but they are also looking at selling dates.
“There will be some shifting into products that have a longer shelf life and are less likely to go to waste.”
Hospitality businesses were forced to throw away supplies during the pandemic. Ms Nicholls added: “Businesses have had that particular problem over the last two winters and they don’t want to be wasting stock, again.”