DRINKS giant Diageo has issued an apology to independent Scottish brewery Brewdog after refusing to hand over the award for Bar Operator of the Year 2012. Brewdog, the Fraserburgh based company which has gained a reputation for its hand crafted ales was voted bar operator of the year at a ceremony in Glasgow on Sunday.

However executives from Diageo refused to hand over the award - and tried to give it to another operator - even though Brewdog’s name was already written on the trophy. It was alleged that executives from the drinks giant put pressure on the British Institute of Innkeeping to withhold the award - saying the company would withdraw its sponsorship if Brewdog won.