Licensees urged to be Keg Aware

A new campaign has been launched to combat keg thefts, which cost the trade £50m per year.

 The Keg Aware campaign, backed by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), has been kicked off with a six-point checklist for licensees to make sure kegs and casks are kept secure:

 • Store them safely — store all containers in a safe place, preferably inside, from delivery to collection

 • If containers are left outside, secure them and don't use them for any other purpose

 • Always return empty containers on each delivery and request the collection of surplus empties promptly to ensure containers always move efficiently through the system

 • Check your delivery note — when your empties are collected, always check that the right numbers are entered on the delivery note

 • Always sign delivery notes for both fulls and empties

 • If in doubt, ask for ID — only authorised staff will collect your empties.

 The BBPA said hundreds of thousands of kegs and casks go missing every year, costing more than £50m. "This is a serious problem and is unsustainable."

 "The mounting bill affects everyone, including pubs, licensees and their customers. Only by working together can we tackle this problem and ensure that these costs are controlled."

 Mark Johnson, Heineken UK's relationship manager for returnable assets, said: "Keg thefts for Heineken remain a significant issue and although perhaps we've seen a downturn in the loss, we feel the loss will continue as the economy recovers."

 He said it's a "shame" the trade couldn't organise a keg deposit scheme — thefts are fewer in countries that have one.

 For further information visit www.kegaware.com or call 0808 100 1945.