Gordon Brown and Sadiq Khan have been included in a CAMRA list recognising people who have made a significant contribution to the beer and pubs industry during its half a century of campaigning.
Gordon Brown receiving the CAMRA Parliamentarian of the year award from former chairman Colin Valentine in 2004
The People Awards form part of CAMRA’s Golden Awards celebrations, to mark the campaign’s 50th anniversary and celebrate nearly 70 individuals who have made the beer and cider world what it is today.
The former chancellor of the exchequer, Gordon Brown, made the list for introducing small brewers’ relief in 2002. This created a boom in small and independent brewing in the UK and consequently greatly increased the diversity of beers on the market.
CAMRA continues to campaign for greater support of small brewers, particularly in the aftermath of the alcohol duty reforms last year which introduced a draught beer duty rate that, unfortunately, excludes many small brewers who sell their beer directly to pubs.
Sadiq Khan is recognised for introducing, in London, one of the most comprehensive pub protection policies in the UK. Unfortunately, not all nations and regions benefit from similar measures.
Nominated by CAMRA members
CAMRA continues to urge the Welsh government to carry out its promised review of planning use classes this year to give pubs better protections in the planning system, and for the Scottish government to take action to prevent pubs being demolished without planning permission.
In total, 68 individuals have been recognised, each of whom has been nominated directly by CAMRA members. Other notable recipients include Paul Jones, managing director of Cloudwater Brewery, James Finch, aka The Cider Critic, beer sommelier Annabel Smith, and Cath Potter and Dick Withecombe, founders of Manchester Cider Club.
Awards organiser, Chris Rouse, said: “CAMRA’s Golden Awards aim to highlight the significant changes that have taken place in the beer and pub world over the last 50 years, and to celebrate the people, pubs, clubs, breweries, and cider producers who have driven those changes.
“Huge congratulations are owed to everyone who has made this list. Whether they be notable politicians or a dedicated local CAMRA volunteer, every recipient has been chosen for their hard work, dedication, and passion in ensuring great consumer choice at the pump.”
