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The Food Programme: Drinking Culture: The women calling out sexism in the alcohol industry

11/07/2021

Drinking Culture: The women calling out sexism in the alcohol industry

BBC Radio 4 - The Food Programme, Drinking Culture: The women calling out sexism in the alcohol industry

Jaega Wise speaks to those hoping to change how women are treated in the drinks world

Craft brewer Jaega Wise meets women from the drinks industry who are fighting sexism and harassment.

Over the past year, women working in different parts of the drinks industry have been sharing their stories and experiences to try to change the way women are treated.   Most recently people working in craft brewing have been sharing their stories on social media - saying enough is enough.  In this episode, Jaega Wise speaks to some of those about how we have got here - and what needs to change. 

She meets Charlotte Cook, an experienced brewer who says the most important thing now is to believe the stories, as some are being silenced by UK libel laws. Professor Chris Land from Anglia Ruskin University explains how certain workplaces can create unhealthy cultures, while bartender Nichola Bottomley says she was inspired to speak out after years of harassment working in pubs and bars. 

In the US, Victoria James, who was named the country's youngest sommelier at 21, tells Jaega about her book Wine Girl, and how it went on to inspire other women working in wine to come together to speak out, eventually leading to a number of resignations. Becky Paskin, journalist and co-founder of Our Whisky, talks about the repercussions she faced after calling out sexism in the whisky industry. While Brad Cummings, co-founder of craft beer company, Tiny Rebel tells Jaega what is changing at his business, after it was called out by former employees online. 

UKHospitality, which represents businesses in the industry says it's been working hard to tackle these issues and continues to work with members to promote a zero tolerance approach to harassment in the workplace by either fellow employees or customers. 

Presented by Jaega Wise
Produced in Bristol by Natalie Donovan

Photo Credit: Laura Hadland of www.thirstmedia.co.uk

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