UK:CAMRA launches campaign group to save Gale’s brewery

CAMRA announced on November 22 that more than 1,000 people have thrown their support behind the Wessex branches of the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) efforts to secure the future of Gale’s brewery, beers and pubs.

On November 8 it was announced that London brewer Fuller’s was to acquire George Gale and Company in Horndean , Hampshire for £91.8m.

CAMRA reacted with anger to the news that the 158 year-old Hampshire brewery could be under threat, and has vowed to protect it from closure. Local CAMRA branches immediately launched the Save Gale’s Campaign Group to gather support from concerned consumers.

CAMRA Chief Executive Mike Benner said: “Our members were devastated by this shock announcement but have rallied together and pledged to ensure this unique Victorian tower brewery is not swallowed up and forgotten.”

“A petition urging Fuller’s to keep the Horndean brewery open has been launched by the CAMRA branches in the area, who have already gathered more than 1,000 signatures. We are urging anyone who wishes to maintain the diversity of real ale to make a stand now against this horrendous practice of consolidation.”

The deal leaves Fuller’s with around 360 pubs and access to Gale’s free trade accounts. Fuller’s has said it will announce its plans for the brewery and beer brands upon completion of an operations review.

Mr Benner added: “Drinkers in Hampshire are most likely to lose some of their favourite beers, such as Gale’s Best, Butser Bitter or the award winning Festival Mild. But now is the time to let brewers know that the variety of beer is one of the main reasons we are so passionate about it. Sign CAMRA’s online petition and make your voice heard.”

The online petition can be found at http://www.savegales.org.uk/ or by following the link at www.camra.org.uk.

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