Regulatory Watchdog Rejects BrewDog CEO’s Complaint Over BBC Documentary Highlighting Alleged Workplace Misconduct
(Photo: Alexander Ruiz/Unsplash)
The government-approved regulatory and competition authority, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) rejected a complaint by Brewdog this week. The UK-based brewery claimed the company and its CEO James Watt were unfairly treated in the program “Disclosure: The Truth about BrewDog.” BrewDog also asserted that Watt’s privacy was infringed upon; Ofcom rejected this complaint as well.
The summary read, “Ofcom has not upheld this complaint about unjust or unfair treatment and unwarranted infringement of privacy in connection with the obtaining of material included in the program, and in the program as broadcast.”
The documentary focused on BrewDog’s marketing strategy and commercial practices in the context of its corporate culture. The program aired in 2022 and included several accounts of Watt’s alleged misconduct toward female employees and accounts of a toxic work culture. Many people found the details about the BrewDog CEO’s investments in Heinken rather hypocritical considering Watt’s supposed negative stance toward big beer and the brand’s identity being tied to “punk.”
A BrewDog spokesperson said, “Ofcom’s ruling concerns the BBC’s reporting processes, not the ‘truth’ it reported. The regulator states itself that its role was not to determine the “factual accuracy” of the program. The BBC’s documentary contains numerous inaccuracies and misrepresentations, so we disagree with Ofcom’s findings that the BBC took “reasonable care.
“The BBC still needs to explain why it lied about using a proven fraudster as a key source, before being forced to admit the truth when presented with evidence to the contrary.
“Since this program aired, BrewDog has created nearly 1000 jobs, opened many bars in some of the toughest trading conditions ever and been included in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work as well as named a Top Employer by the Top Employer Institute.”
Last year, BrewDog created quite a stir when it eliminated some of its benefits for its “Equity Punks.” The scheme helped rocket the craft beer startup into the mainstream and helped fund its global expansion. However, there were few benefits for the shareholders except for the Annual General Mayhem event which was canceled.
BrewDog used to be known for its rebellious attitude and creative ad campaigns but lately, the brewery seems stuck in a rut of controversy surrounding its brand and CEO. Recently the brand has gotten into hot water over its new tequila. The tequila’s bottle looks suspiciously similar to fellow UK spirits producer’s Lind & Lime gin bottle.
Read Next:
As Good as Gold? BrewDog CEO Personally Pays out Over $500k After Gold Beer Can Promotion Fiasco
BrewDog Announces First Ever Sale of Rum Cask Fills on Online Auction
Rum Soaked Peanuts Lowering Blood Sugar: Health Fad or Diabetes Remedy?
Follow The Daily Pour:
