Beer axed from shelves for ‘promoting knife crime’ after complaint to watchdog
Locals were outraged with the verdict
A BEER brewed in honour of a master craftsman who created blades for famous names in history has been pulled from shelves over claims it was “promoting knife crime.”
Stan IPA, produced by Sheffield-based Little Mesters Brewery, was a tribute to Stan Shaw, the last of the city’s famed “little mesters” who made knives for the Royals, US presidents, and rock ‘n’ roll king Elvis.
But its brewers have been forced to ditch the ale after watchdogs upheld a complaint that it was glorifying knife violence.
The row erupted over its branding, which featured a cartoon of Stan holding one of his famous knives, alongside a tap handle shaped like a blade grip.
An anonymous complaint claimed the imagery could encourage booze-fuelled violence, particularly given Sheffield is currently grappling with rising knife crime.
Research revealed that within South Yorkshire, Sheffield is the most dangerous city, with a crime rate of 91 offences per 1,000 people.
The complaint, upheld by the Portman Group, argued: “Using a knife handle as a tap handle is perhaps a step too far and could encourage alcohol-related violence.”
Stan, who passed away aged 93 in 2021, was a legend of the Steel City.
Known as the last of Sheffield’s master craftsmen, his intricate knives were prized by Queen Elizabeth II, Elvis, and even US presidents.
In 2016, he became the first cutler to receive the British Empire Medal, recognising his unmatched contribution to Sheffield’s rich industrial history.
WATCHDOG’S VERDICT
The Independent Complaints Panel admitted Little Mesters’ aim was to honour a local hero, but ruled that the beer’s design breached rules by linking booze with violent behaviour.
The panel’s chairwoman, Rachel Childs, said: “Rising rates of knife crime in the UK—and particularly Sheffield, where this marketing appeared—generate a high level of public concern.
“Any depiction of knives on alcoholic packaging must be approached with great caution.”
Knife crime is a growing crisis in Britain.
Police recorded nearly 51,000 knife-related offences in the year to June 2024, an 80% rise in the past decade.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show knife-enabled crime has jumped 4% in the past year alone.
Sheffield has been hit hard, with frequent reports of stabbings, leaving locals on edge.
The panel said the beer’s pump clip made Stan’s knife “the central focus of the design,” with images of blades forming a circle around him.
They also noted the tap handle required punters to grip it “in a similar fashion as one might brandish a knife.”
Little Mesters Brewery hit back, saying the branding was a heartfelt tribute to Stan Shaw and Sheffield’s industrial heritage.
A spokesperson said: “We respect the decision made by the Portman Group and the important role they play in the industry.
“However, we do not agree that our branding, celebrating a master craftsman and the huge part he and other little mesters played in building industry in our fantastic city, in any way encourages antisocial behaviour or promotes knife crime.”
The brewery has now discontinued Stan IPA but remains adamant its intentions were never to glamourise violence.
Locals are divided over the decision. Some claim it’s a step too far, while others believe the brewery should’ve considered the sensitivities surrounding knife crime.
One Sheffield resident posted on Facebook: “Stan Shaw was a legend, and the beer was a brilliant way to honour him. But in a city plagued by knife violence, I can see why it’s caused a stir.”
But other locals were not happy about the decision.
A user posted: “This is absolutely ridiculous, a chuffing world we live in.”
Another added: “Long Live Stan, ignore any pathetic moron who puts 2 plus 2 and adds it up to 5 anything but 4.
“Unfortunately the world is full of people who (often) deliberately misconstrue things.”
A third sympathised with the brewery, commenting: “What an insane conclusion to draw from that label. Sorry you have to put up with these things.”
The complaint seems to have mustered a fair bit of controversy.
For now, Stan IPA has been consigned to history—just like the blades it was made to honour.
TROUBLE FOR BREWERS
Meanwhile, a major booze firm is set to slash the strength of one of its beers and drinkers will be left fuming.
The decision comes after drinks after the alcohol duty tax came into effect.
Brewers are also bracing for an upcoming change to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
EPR sees all of the estimated environmental costs associated with a product throughout its life cycle added to the price.
The first part of this, coming into effect later this year, is the Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN), which is rising from 37% to 100%.
A Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) is a document that proves packaging materials such as glass and aluminium have been recycled or recovered.
The change will see brewers producing packaged goods responsible for 100% of these fees.
Last week, The British Beer and Pub Association called on the UK government to reconsider the crippling costs of the EPR packaging scheme.
The association described the fees as “painful” and said the current estimates risk causing significant financial strain on the industry.
Pubs and brewers are also bracing themselves for an upcoming hike to employer National Insurance contributions (NICs).