Oxford brewery reduces recidivism by teaching prisoners to make ale

Thomas Jefferson said that good beer “softens tempers, cheers up the spirit, and promotes health”.

This could also help solve the prison crisis in Britain. Craft brewery that employs ex-convicts to train them in ale-making is proving to be a success at reducing reoffending. It’s now being hailed for a template to help ease the unprecedented overload in UK prisons.

Tap Social Movement, Oxford, was founded by Amy Taylor and Paul Humpherson. They were frustrated with the lack of help available to prisoners who have just left prison and by the high reoffending rate.

Humpherson said, “We felt that we were part a system which didn’t deal with structural issues leading to the overcrowding that we are seeing today.” There are many barriers to overcome for those who want to change their lives after being released. This could be finding a job or a home, or having the confidence to return to society.

The couple and Taylor’s sister Tess set up the brewery to show that businesses providing work for prisoners leaving prison could not only contribute to the solution, but also be a success.

Not only them, but many other companies have similar ambitions. Ex-offenders are now employed by a growing number of companies, including Greggs, the Co-op and Pret aManger. James Timpson’s key-cutting business has been hailed as a successful model of how to provide employment for ex-offenders. He was appointed prisons Minister last week.

Humpherson, 37 years old, believes that government incentives can be used to encourage businesses to implement similar schemes, even if they are smaller and independent.

He said: “If you’re leaving prison, and you have a job that is stable with an employer who cares about your well-being, you can immediately rebuild your life.” “That’s less crime, fewer victims, and less money spent prosecuting and punishing individuals.” There are no losers. “It’s a no brainer.”

Since Tap’s opening in 2016, only 6% of the more than 50 prisoners released by Tap have committed a new crime. In comparison, the national average is around 50%. To accompany the original brewery, three bars and a baker have been opened. All are partially staffed with former convicts.

Staff who have been rehabilitated are now working in many different careers including hospitality, construction, security and car sales.

Olsi Vullneteri was an assistant brewer at Tap for three years, after serving a seven year prison sentence for fraud. In 2022 he decided to leave the company and start his own business, using the skills that he learned.

The father of two stated, “You’ll think that you will never be treated with respect when you first come out [of prison].” “But Tap restored my faith. They understand where you are from and that you’re learning to enjoy the outdoors again.

“I enjoyed every moment. I loved the days we did the quality control. “I’ve always liked beer, but never imagined it would change my life.”

The Good beer guide has recognized the beer, including the aptly-named Time Better Spent IPA. Meanwhile, the Inside Out stout received a gold award from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates.

Tess Taylor (33), co-founder, said that it was important to her that the product wasn’t a gimmick.

“We’ve noticed that people first purchase the beer to support the social cause, but continue to buy it because it is great beer.”