Launched this week, the petition had received more than 2,000 signatures at the time of publication. 10,000 signatures are required for the Government to respond to a petition.
In March 2024, the UK officially joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
The convention, which involves the safeguarding of traditions and practices of cultural heritage, entered into force for the UK in June last year.
Financial pressure
Following the ratification, the petition has called on the Government to recognise the production and serving of traditional British cask ales as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The petition detailed: “Cask ale is unique to the UK – a historic and traditional production and serving method.
“We believe its flavour and texture is unrivalled anywhere in the world and can only be consumed in pubs with specific equipment and expertise.
“With the hospitality industry under financial pressure, it’s vital we protect cask ale from further decline, both for its financial role in pubs, breweries, maltings and farms and for its cultural one in British society.”
The petition was created by award-winning beer writer Johnny Garrett.
Critical factor
Recently, T&R Theakston managing director Richard Bradbury spoke of cask ale’s “iconic” status in UK pub.
He wrote for The Morning Advertiser (The MA): “With cask being one of the freshest products in a pub and which requires a degree of skill to maintain, it has become a natural mark of quality and the critical factor as to whether a pub is good or great.”
Meanwhile, Stroud Brewery managing director Greg Pilley previously shared his thoughts on the sustainability credentials of cask ale.
In an opinion article for The MA, he said: “Its taste and heritage aren’t the only reasons I champion cask and the licensees who serve it. It’s also the most environmentally friendly form of beer during all stages of production and consumption.“
