Beer axed from shelves for ‘promoting knife crime’ after complaint to watchdog
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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.
![[brewery Little Mesters., The brewery has been slammed for 'knife shaped pouring handles' so could we try and find a pic of them]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mestersjpg-JS964455764.jpg?strip=all&w=260)
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.
![[Illustration of Little Mesters Brewing's Stan IPA, featuring a man holding a knife.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Stan-IPA.jpg?strip=all&w=450)
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. 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.
