CAMRA is one of the most successful consumer organisations in Europe. Founded by four beer lovers in 1971, today we represent more than 190,000 beer drinkers and pub goers across the UK. Our vision is to have quality real ale, cider and perry and thriving pubs and clubs in every community.
Our mission is:
- to secure the long term future of real ale, real cider and real perry by increasing their quality, availability and popularity;
- to promote and protect pubs and clubs as social centres and part of the UK’s cultural heritage;
- to increase recognition of the benefits of responsible, moderate social drinking;
- to play a leading role in the provision of information, education and training to all those with an interest in beer, cider and perry of any type;
- to ensure where possible that producers and retailers of beer, cider and perry act in the best interests of the consumer.
We do this by encouraging beer and cider drinking and pub and club-going with our beer festivals, pub saving campaigns and awards, and by lobbying Government for change to better support the industry and the trade.
More information can be found on the National website here
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Branch Campaigning
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Handpump Hijack

Big brewers’ plan to mislead consumers
For generations, a handpump on the bar has been a sign of quality. Where cask is well kept, consumers can be sure of a spotless cellar, well-trained bar staff and a commitment to offering the best of UK brewing.
Now, Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company – one of the world’s largest brewery conglomerates – has resorted to misleading consumers by hijacking the handpump to serve its “Fresh Ale” product. CMBC says this is “preserving the beloved hand pull ritual that delivers the traditional theatre of serve that ale is famed for”.
CAMRA believes consumers deserve better than CMBC play acting at serving cask – a product they claim to champion while closing breweries and removing cask lines from bars. Our handpump hijack campaign calls on brewers to be proud of all their whole range of beers by serving them in a way that won’t mislead their customers.
Read more about it on the National CAMRA website
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Autumn Budget 2024
CAMRA had two main priorities for the new Chancellor’s first Budget, and we saw action taken on both that will help to support pubs, social clubs, brewers, cider makers and consumers.
We called for the Chancellor to increase the difference between the tax paid on pints in pubs compared to supermarket alcohol and although this change isn’t as large as we’d asked for, even a small cut is good news as it shows the Government recognises the value of this new tax system that CAMRA’s campaigning won in 2023. We also asked the Government to stick by their manifesto commitment to reform the unfair Business Rates system, and a new, permanently lower rate for hospitality businesses was announced.
What else was announced?
The Chancellor also announced a review to help independent breweries get their beers behind the bar. This is great news, which we hope will lead to much wider consumer choice, help licensees buy in the products they know their customers want, and support small breweries with additional sales.
There are also significant issues that weren’t mentioned at the Budget, such as VAT rates for hospitality, and the lack of fair energy contracts available for pubs and brewers. Increases in employment costs will also impact the trade.
CAMRA continue our campaigning to make sure pubs, consumers and breweries get a fairer deal on tax and financial issues.