Newcastle Brown Ale is one of the great symbols of the North East. It is a great symbol of our region that is recognised worldwide. As somebody who enjoys a fairly regular drop of the brown stuff or 'the dog' as it is known, I'm particularly proud of the heritage and regional pride that comes with the Blue Star.
I was very sad to hear that Scottish and Newcastle have decided to shift production of that great North Eastern symbol to move production away from the North East. Clearly, this is devastating news for the workforce in the North East and our first thoughts must be with those whose jobs and livelihoods are at risk because of this decision. Up to 63 jobs could be at risk from this decision.
This decision shows that we must do more to support the pub trade, which has been hit by rise after rise in beer duty - so much so that one third of every pint now goes in tax and 6 pubs are closing every day of the week.
We must all appeal to Scottish and Newcastle to reverse this decision. Newcastle Brown Ale is special because it is brewed in the North East. It will lose its distinctiveness and, to some extent, lose its credibility as a brand if it is brewed away from our region. It is, frankly, an insult that a brand, which has made so much of the distinctiveness of our area to strengthen the beer's appeal, is considering dealing a blow to our area.
I was very sad to hear that Scottish and Newcastle have decided to shift production of that great North Eastern symbol to move production away from the North East. Clearly, this is devastating news for the workforce in the North East and our first thoughts must be with those whose jobs and livelihoods are at risk because of this decision. Up to 63 jobs could be at risk from this decision.
This decision shows that we must do more to support the pub trade, which has been hit by rise after rise in beer duty - so much so that one third of every pint now goes in tax and 6 pubs are closing every day of the week.
We must all appeal to Scottish and Newcastle to reverse this decision. Newcastle Brown Ale is special because it is brewed in the North East. It will lose its distinctiveness and, to some extent, lose its credibility as a brand if it is brewed away from our region. It is, frankly, an insult that a brand, which has made so much of the distinctiveness of our area to strengthen the beer's appeal, is considering dealing a blow to our area.
As a southerner who likes Newky Brown, I must say I agree. If they were *expanding* production and so having to open a second brewing location for it fair enough. But not to shut down the original Newcastle brewery for Newcastle Brown!
ReplyDeleteHow can it be Newcastle Brown if it isn't brewed in Newcastle?