Beer banned from House of Commons' bar over half-naked woman on label
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The House of Commons has ordered the removal of a beer called Top Totty from its bar because the beverage's pump plate, which features a half-naked woman, offended female MPs.
Shadow equalities minister Kate Green was left "disturbed" after seeing the 4 per cent ale's advertising in the popular parliamentary watering hole called the Strangers' Bar, and demanded bar staff remove it from sale.
Within 90 minutes, House authorities ordered the beer to be withdrawn after Commons' Leader Sir George Young told MPs that "action will be taken."
"I can confirm it was withdrawn from sale at 1.30 pm," the Telegraph quoted a barman as saying.
The bitter backlash developed after Green told the Commons she was offended by the beer's name and its picture.
"I was disturbed last night to learn that the guest beer in the Strangers' Bar is called Top Totty and there is a picture of a nearly naked woman on the tap," Green said.
She called for a debate on "dignity at work in Parliament" and asked Young to back her demands for Top Totty to be "withdrawn immediately from the bar."
Speaking as MPs discussed future Commons business, Young said that he was "not aware of this particular picture" but pledged to raise the issue with House authorities.
"I am sure appropriate action will be taken," he said.
"I would very much regret it if any offensive pictures were on display in any part of the House," he added.
Top Totty is described in one review on its brewer Slater's website as "a stunning blonde beer full bodied with a voluptuous hop aroma".
"This award winning beer, brewed solely with Whitbread Goldings hops, produces an initial burst of bitterness with a citrus fruity finish," it adds.
The beer's withdrawal will come as a blow to Tory MP Jeremy Lefroy, who organised for Top Totty to be sold in Strangers'.
"This is a great opportunity to showcase a fantastic and award winning beer," the Stafford MP had said on its introduction.
"Slater's Brewery produces many popular beers which have been brewed locally for more than 15 years and it is great to be able to share some of Staffordshire's finest produce with colleagues in Parliament," he said. (ANI)
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