Published at 11:50, Tuesday, 09 December 2008

THE plight of Cumbria’s community pubs has been taken to the heart of Europe – with a taste test of some of the county’s best beers.

And the publicans who spearheaded calls for politicians to cut red tape dogging the industry hope some of the continent’s most influential decision-makers will have taken their concerns on board.

Dave Bailey and Ann Wedgwood, of The Woolpack Inn and Hardknott Brewery in Eskdale, took casks of real ale to Brussels, where they set up a Cumbrian Real Ale bar.

Ales produced at Hardknott, Keswick Brewery and Cumbria Legendary Ales were served as part of the British Beer Club’s celebration of beers from northern England.

Mr Bailey hoped the trip would highlight the county’s rich heritage of pubs and the important part they play in the Cumbrian economy.

He said: “Many MEPs enjoyed our ales and seemed very receptive to the problems facing pubs and the brewing industry.

“We felt most of them were already fully aware of the problems, but I hope this makes a difference.

“What we all need to do in the industry is somehow reduce the bad press that surrounds alcohol retailing,” added Mr Bailey. “The whole industry is being crippled by legislation and taxation brought about by a knee-jerk reaction to the irresponsible actions of a small minority of town centre establishments.”

Mr Bailey wants the government and the European Union to simplify legislation surrounding how community pubs – especially important in parts of rural Cumbria – are run.

He believes action needs to be taken to stop the growing number of pub closures, hikes in beer duty, and other rising costs affecting the pub industry.

He transported the casks from Eskdale to Brussels in his car, managing to serve the beer at cellar temperature.

Among those who tasted the Cumbrian beer in Brussels was Mike Benner, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Mr Bailey said craft-brewed ale is an important tourist attraction in west Cumbria and that pubs and breweries played a major part in the county’s economy.

Camra activists highlighted the importance of pubs and micro-breweries to Copeland MP Jamie Reed at a recent beer festival in west Cumbria.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk