Fans of crime writer M W Craven’s famous detective Washington Poe will know of his fondness for a properly kept pint of Carlisle Brewing Co’s Spun Gold ale.
Julie Minns MP
Now, following a long-running campaign by Carlisle MP Julie Minns, independent breweries across Carlisle could soon find it easier to get their beers into local pubs.
In the Budget, the government confirmed its intention to introduce a guest beer provision in the Pubs Code for England and Wales. This is a move long sought by independent brewers and campaigners to improve access to pubs for locally produced beers.
The announcement follows nearly two years of campaigning by Julie, who has repeatedly raised the issue with ministers, worked closely with the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), and this week used a Parliamentary debate on cask ale and brewing heritage to urge ministers to “get on with introducing a guest beer agreement in England”.
In November 2024, Julie secured her first Parliamentary debate as an MP, using a Commons adjournment debate on guest beers and the Pubs Code to highlight the barriers facing small breweries and make the case for reform.
“This is a major win for independent breweries and pubs across Carlisle and North Cumbria,” said Minns of this week’s announcement. “For too long, local brewers have faced barriers when trying to get their beers into pubs, even when there is strong demand from customers for more choice and more local products.
“I first raised this issue with ministers nearly two years ago, secured a Parliamentary debate dedicated to guest beer agreements, and have continued working closely with brewers, SIBA, and CAMRA to make the case for change. I am delighted that the government has listened.”
She added: “Carlisle and North Cumbria has a proud brewing tradition and fantastic independent breweries producing excellent beer. These changes have the potential to open new opportunities for local brewers, support pubs, and give customers greater choice at the bar.
“This is good news for local breweries, good news for publicans, and good news for everyone who enjoys a great local pint.”
Barry Watts, head of policy and public affairs at SIBA, said: “Today’s announcement of a guest beer provision in the Pubs Code will be a huge boost for beer drinkers, tenanted publicans, and independent breweries. It means that drinkers should start to see a better choice at the bar including beers from independent breweries.
“Julie has worked tirelessly to take up this issue in Parliament, leading the first debate on market access and continually raising it with ministers. It’s thanks to her continued support that small breweries will now have better access to pubs covered by the Pubs Code so that publicans can serve what drinkers want which is a great tasting beer from a local brewery.”
