PRINCETOWN-based Dartmoor Brewery has launched a campaign to safeguard the future of beers brewed on Dartmoor to stamp out confusion for real ale drinkers.

Dartmoor Brewery is to apply for special status from the EU Commission for Dartmoor beers and is initiating an application for PGI — protected geographical indication — status.

The brewery believes this action will help shield the Dartmoor name from misuse or imitation and ensure that a beer can only be called a Dartmoor beer if it is brewed on Dartmoor.

Mike Lunney, head brewer at Dartmoor Brewery, said: 'We're keen to raise the profile of this issue to ensure that Dartmoor beer is brewed exclusively on Dartmoor and nowhere else.

'This PGI application is important because it aims to protect and promote regional food and drink products and this is precisely what needs to happen with beers on Dartmoor.

'There is significant confusion for real ale drinkers and the licensee trade surrounding Dartmoor branded beers.

'Currently, there are beers such as our own Dartmoor IPA which is brewed in the heart of Dartmoor using Dartmoor spring water and there are other beers available which are also Dartmoor branded which are not brewed on Dartmoor or even in Devon.

'This is confusing for both drinkers and the trade; we want to remove this confusion and assure real ale drinkers that if it's branded a Dartmoor beer, it's been brewed on Dartmoor — it's that simple. If PGI is good enough for Cornish pasties it must be good enough for Dartmoor ale!'

Dartmoor Brewery, reportedly the highest brewery in England, has been brewing Dartmoor IPA (ABV 4.0%) since 1994 from the heart of Dartmoor National Park.

The award winning brewery also produces the famous Jail Ale and the highly successful Legend brands.

All their beers are produced using traditional brewing techniques, pure Dartmoor water, the finest Devon malted barley and the best English hops.

Mike added: 'We are appealing to real ale drinkers to support our PGI campaign to protect and promote the Dartmoor name and we've set up an online Facebook petition page called "Petition To Safeguard The Future Of Beers Brewed On Dartmoor" so real ale drinkers can pledge their support.'

Giles Chichester, MEP for South West England, said: 'Dartmoor Brewery have my full support in seeking to uphold the integrity of their real ale.

'I hope not only real ale drinkers but all supporters of local enterprise will get behind this proposal for protected geographical indication.'