BBPA call for pubs in England to destroy spoilt beer

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has advised publicans to ensure they have submitted applications to destroy their spoilt beer before the end of July, so they “avoid charges from water companies”.

The trade association said it had “hoped” water companies would continue to “waive fees and cut bureaucracy for the disposal of spoiled beer in pubs”. 

The news comes as the water industry has now set deadlines for each region of the UK indicating when applications must be received from pubs wishing to destroy their spoilt beer, under the emergency measures currently in place.

In England, pubs will have until the end of July to apply to destroy their spoilt beer. Whereas, in Scotland, publicans will have until mid-August and in Wales, they will have until the end of August.

The BBPA said any publicans who apply to their local water authority to destroy their spoilt beer after these deadlines will have to pay fees and face increased bureaucracy.

To help publicans destroy their spoilt beer, the BBPA and its members have set up www.Returnyourbeer.co.uk, a free website for publicans to use, guiding them on how to destroy their beer safely and in an environmentally friendly manner.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA said:“We’re strongly advising publicans in England to apply to their water wholesaler to destroy their spoilt beer before the end of July. 

“Any publican who misses the deadline will have to pay costly water company charges and face additional bureaucracy, so it’s better for publicans in England who haven’t already to destroy their beer now.”

She added: “We had hoped water companies would continue to waiver their fees and cut out bureaucracy for disposing waste beer for a longer period, but unfortunately the water industry has now set these deadlines.

“Pubs in Scotland and Wales have a little longer to make applications to destroy their beer. Those in Scotland have until mid-August. Those in Wales have until the end of August. However, we urge all publicans not to wait until the last minute.”