The press has been awash recently with the news that CAMRA has advised its members not to use terms like ‘pub crawls’, ‘joining the lads for a swift few’, or even ‘happy hours’.
The organisation which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary hopes that by avoiding these terms it will be seen as more welcoming. CAMRA claims these terms are alienating to many and promote out-dated stereotypes.
Instead it is suggested that terms such as ‘pub tour’ or to ‘treat your colleagues to a drink after work’ are used as they are more inclusive.
Earlier in 2022 CAMRA launched a ‘Diversity and Inclusivity’ survey as part of an aim to attract more women, gay people and ethnic minorities and to be seen as a less pale, male and stale organisation.
But there has been a backlash to the ‘guidelines’ with claims that the organisation has ‘lost its way’ and is promoting a woke culture that is out-of-touch with reality. Others see it as a positive way to be more inclusive in its dealing with the public.
With an ageing and falling mainly male membership it may continue to be a hard uphill struggle as such terms are ingrained into UK drinking culture.
One drinker at the bar said he would be going out on a pub crawl around town with the lads and every hour would be a happy hour, whatever the CAMRA diehards might wish. maybe its all just one of those molehills.
The local CAMRA group has been asked for a comment.
