Beer Dispense Gas

The use of gas cylinders for beer and other beverage dispense is widespread in the UK. Typically such cylinders are steel, 10 litres or so in capacity, and filled with CO2 or N2 or mixtures of the two.

There is a substantial ‘unofficial’ portion of this market, which is subject to problems of safety, quality and the theft of assets. Cylinders may be incorrectly filled, not adequately checked for gas quality, filled with the wrong gas (e.g. air instead of N2), or be allowed to become unsafe from internal corrosion. The result may be simply poor quality beer, but could also be much more serious, with cylinder failure a real possibility.

BCGA has held discussions with other relevant Trade Associations, the BBPA (the British Beer and Pub Association), and the BFBi (the Brewing, Food and Beverage Industry Suppliers Association). The BFBi have established a hotline for the reporting of concerns over this topic – 01902 422303.

We shall continue to support efforts to eradicate the unsafe and illegal supply of these products.