# CAMRA advocacy for UK pub and beer industry

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/camra-advocacy-for-uk-pub-and-beer-industry
> Updated: 2026-09-28T06:00:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has transitioned from promoting industry competitions to advocating for structural market reforms in the UK beer sector.

In late August 2026, the organization announced the 16 regional finalists for its 2026 Pub of the Year competition. During this period, CAMRA urged the UK government to provide financial relief to the sector through VAT and draught beer duty reforms, lower energy bills, and a fairer business rates system to assist pubs in competing with supermarket pricing.

By late September 2026, following the release of the Good Beer Guide 2027, CAMRA’s advocacy shifted toward market competition. The guide, which features 4,500 pubs, 1,700 breweries, and 5,000 beers, includes a foreword by author Sir Ian Rankin. Alongside the publication, CAMRA called for a formal investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority into the UK beer market to address the dominance of global brewers and its impact on independent producers.

This call follows data showing a decline in the sector, noting that 137 breweries have closed compared to only 57 new openings. The 2027 guide highlights various establishments across the United Kingdom, such as The White Lion in Barrow and several recognized venues in North Hertfordshire, selected for their quality cask beer.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: CAMRA publishes 2027 Good Beer Guide featuring UK pubs

CAMRA has published its 2027 Good Beer Guide, featuring 4,500 UK pubs. Notable inclusions include Barrow's The White Lion and several establishments in North Hertfordshire.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/camra-publishes-2027-good-beer-guide-featuring-uk-pubs

### 2026-09-24: CAMRA publishes 2027 Good Beer Guide

CAMRA has published its 2027 Good Beer Guide, featuring 4,500 UK pubs while calling for a market investigation into the dominance of global brewers.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/camra-publishes-2027-good-beer-guide

### 2026-08-27: CAMRA announces 16 regional finalists for 2026 Pub of the Year

CAMRA has named 16 regional finalists for its 2026 Pub of the Year competition while calling for UK government tax reforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/camra-announces-16-regional-finalists-for-2026-pub-of-the-year

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Cite as: CAMRA advocacy for UK pub and beer industry. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/camra-advocacy-for-uk-pub-and-beer-industry