Vegetarian stout challenge issued for next St Patrick's Day

The Vegetarian Society is challenging brewers of stout to come up with a vegetarian drink in time for St Patrick's Day in March next year.

The group is urging the trade to develop a stout beverage that does not use animal derived material, and they say they will give a year's free approval from the Vegetarian Society to anyone who does so.

The society says it is happy to give advice on products or ingredients and will work with companies to find suitable alternatives.

"In our quest for improved choice for vegetarians, we are challenging the major stout brewers, pub chains and retailers to provide a nationally available product that everyone can drink and enjoy by St Patrick's Day 2003," a spokesman for the organisation said.

Products approved by the society have to be free of animal flesh, meat or bone stock, animal carcass fats, gelatine and aspic.

Products or ingredients must not have been tested on animals since 1986 and any eggs used must be free range.

Since 1998, genetically modified organisms can also not be used, as these will generally have been tested on animals.

Related stories:​

The festivities of St Patrick's Day are imminent and it's potentially the most lucrative occasion of the year for pubs - find out how to make the most of it.

Guinness continues St Patrick's campaign despite claims of racism (7 March 2002)

Jameson Irish Whiskey prepares for St Patrick's Day (20 February 2002)