Yankee Brew News Archive

Beer Drinkers Unite in NE-Based Consumer Union

Originally Published: 07/94

Beer drinkers throughout New England are being invited to join the Beer Drinkers Union USA, recently formed by brewing historian and author Alan Eames, of Brattleboro, Vermont.

According to Eames, the Beer Drinkers Union will give a voice to people who just like good beer.

"We're going to ask people to tell us what they want in a beer, and what they think is right and wrong in the beer industry. We're going to set up Union meetings in Boston, have a few beers, and talk and listen and get the brewers to listen to us. If we get enough members, maybe we'll even advertise back at the brewers," he speculated.

A newsletter is being published to serve as a forum for members' opinions as well as a medium for information.

"There have been movements in the beer industry recently to start up an organization like this," noted Eames, "but as soon as you have more than one brewery in the room you get beer politics and a bad case of customer-envy. So we're starting out now, and maybe some companies will take an interest in us as we grow."

The Beer Drinkers Union has drafted a Bill of Rights, which is:

1. The Right to drink beer you like without fear of judgement by others.

2. The Right to good value.

3. The Right to know what's in your glass.

4. The Right to denounce "tricky" beer.

5. The Right to demand quality and high standards in every glass of beer.

6. The Right to have a voice that's heard in the beer nation.

7. The Right to drink beer to elevate the spirit and gladden the heart.

Beer drinkers interested in joining the Beer Drinkers Union USA can send $2 with their name and address to Beer Drinkers Union USA, 75 Pine St., Brattleboro, Vermont, 05301. You can fax correspondence to the Boston branch office at (617) 742-6509. You must be at least 21 years of age to qualify for membership.