Bitter backlash as Top Totty ale is pulled from sale following complaint from shadow equalities minister Kate Green
A beer called Top Totty by a Stafford-based brewer has been banned from a parliamentary bar because its pump plate featuring a half-naked lady caused offence.
Shadow equalities minister Kate Green was left "disturbed" after seeing the 4% ale's advertising in a popular Westminster watering hole and demanded bar staff remove it from sale.
Within 90 minutes, House authorities ordered the beer to be withdrawn after the leader of the Commons, Sir George Young, told MPs: "Action will be taken."
A barman said: "I can confirm it was withdrawn from sale at 1.30pm."
The bitter backlash developed after Green told the Commons: "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."
She called for a debate on "dignity at work in parliament" and asked Sir George to back her demands for Top Totty to be withdrawn immediately.
Top Totty's Stafford-based brewer Slater's describes the ale as "a stunning blonde beer, full-bodied with a voluptuous hop aroma".
Its website adds: "This award winning beer, brewed solely with Whitbread Goldings hops, produces an initial burst of bitterness with a citrus fruity finish."
The beer's withdrawal comes as a blow to Tory MP Jeremy Lefroy, who arranged for Top Totty to be sold in in the bar. Announcing its introduction as a guest ale, the Stafford MP said: "This is a great opportunity to showcase a fantastic and award-winning beer. 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."
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