With the festive season usually the busiest of the year for the pub industry, the BBPA is reminding publicans to keep an eye on their kegs and casks and to ensure they are returned safely to breweries to be refilled as soon as possible.  

Christmas festivities, alongside a winter World Cup have been boosting beer orders and with extra demand comes a greater need for diligence in securing kegs and casks to ensure they are not lost from the system, the BBPA is reminding members.  

With the loss of kegs and casks costing the industry millions of pounds each year the BBPA is reminding pub businesses across the industry of best practice in storing and returning empty kegs and casks.  

Empties should be stored safely, preferably inside, or well secured if left outside. Delivery notes should be checked and signed, and ID requested if in any doubt over whether authorised staff are collecting empties. Containers that carry a SIBA orange sticker must only be collected by the brewer who supplied them. However, all other empty containers should be returned promptly with each delivery to ensure containers always move efficiently through the system. 

The principal drink supplier should always be the first contact when licensees are arranging for collection of empty kegs and casks. However, if licensees are having any problems in getting their empties collected, Kegwatch offer a free, safe repatriation service that is supported by the UK brewing industry. Kegwatch can be contacted on 0808 100 1945. 

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said:  

“With the festive period upon us and beer often the drink of choice for festivities, we’re sending a reminder to publicans about best practice in container security. We need all businesses to ensure kegs and casks aren’t lost from our supply chain and are returned promptly to their owners so that further costs aren’t incurred in what is already a difficult time for the sector.” 

Andy Slee, Chief Executive of SIBA said:  

“SIBA is delighted to support this industry initiative and would ask all publicans to pay particular heed to clearly marked independent brewers containers this Christmas. Their prompt return is especially critical at this busy time of year.”