An ale created a furore in the UK on Thursday, leading to some women MPs asking the House of Commons to withdraw it from sale.
The issue, which was raised in the House of Commons, centred around Top Totty, a beer created by Stafford-based Slater’s Ales. The firm describes the four-per-cent volume beer as “stunning blonde beer full bodied with a voluptuous hop aroma” and it is represented on the label by a woman in a bikini wearing bunny ears. Totty is old British slang for sexy or sexually desirable women.
Labour MP Kate Green raised the issue Thursday morning while the Leader of the House, Sir George Young, was discussing future Commons business. “Will the Leader of the House arrange a debate on dignity at work in Parliament? Last night I was disturbed to learn that the guest beer in the Strangers Bar is called Top Totty, and that there is a picture of a nearly naked woman on the tap,” Ms Green told the House of Commons. “As well as arranging a debate, will the Leader of the House join me in asking for that beer to be withdrawn from the bar immediately,” she asked.
Sir George said he was not aware of that particular picture. “I will raise the matter with the appropriate officer of the House ... and I am sure that appropriate action will be taken. I should very much regret it if any offensive pictures were on display in any part of the House,” he told the member.
The Parliament bar withdrew Top Totty from sale on Thursday evening and Ms Green tweeted that she was pleased.