CAMRA statement on Portman Group Independent Complaints Panel Decision on ‘Naked Ladies’ pump clip

Commenting on the Portman Group Independent Complaints Panel’s decision on ‘Naked Ladies’ pump clip, CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: 

“We are disappointed that the Independent Complaints Panel did not uphold the complaint from a member of the public. 

“The beer in question was removed from eligibility for inclusion in our Champion Beer of Britain Competition in 2022, following complaints from members of the public. Our volunteer committees have upheld that decision, and we are proud to have robust policies and practical guidance for our volunteers on the naming and marketing of beers and ciders, and whether products should be eligible for our highest accolades or on sale at our festivals. 

“Our policies are unashamedly consumer focused and include the environment that product names and marketing – including pump clips – can create for bar staff, volunteers at our festivals, and members of the public enjoying the licensed trade. We also require brewers, cider makers and other vendors at our festivals to refrain from using discriminatory marketing at CAMRA events, as covered in our Festival Code of Conduct.  

“Beer and cider are for everyone, and we want everyone to feel welcome at CAMRA festivals and in their locals. For CAMRA, that means making sure that products on sale do not invite inappropriate or exclusionary behaviour or comments.  

“We are looking forward to working with the Portman Group when they next review their Code of Practice, and we will be making detailed representations on behalf of consumers and in line with our own policies on naming and marketing of beer and cider.”