Recognise the production and serving of cask ale as Intangible Cultural Heritage

Following the UK’s ratification of UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, we call on the Government to recognise production and serving of traditional British cask ale as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Cask ale is unique to the UK – a historic and traditional production and serving method. We believe its flavour and texture is unrivalled anywhere in the world and can only be consumed in pubs with specific equipment and expertise. We think with the hospitality industry under financial pressure, it's vital we protect cask ale from further decline, both for its financial role in pubs, breweries, maltings and farms and for its cultural one in British society.

As part of the implementation of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the UK Government is working closely with the Devolved Governments to create inventories for each of the four nations in the UK; these will combine into one inventory of Living Heritage (or Intangible Cultural Heritage) in the UK.

Following a public consultation (www.gov.uk/government/consultations/2003-unesco-convention-for-the-safeguarding-of-the-intangible-cultural-heritage) on the inventory process, we will open a call for submissions later this year for communities to submit items of living heritage.

The Government would welcome a submission from the cask ale community on the production and serving of traditional British cask ale. Subject to the submission meeting the criteria outlined in the consultation response, the item would be included.

Inclusion in the inventories of an item would provide recognition of the item's significance, contributing in part to the safeguarding of the item through greater awareness and understanding. The Government will set out its approach to further supporting communities to safeguard their living heritage later this year.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport