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The list is meant to afford international recognition and protection for cultural heritage from UNESCO member-states.
In its application, the Belgian brewery association noted beer consumption goes beyond drinking alcohol for the side effect of intoxication and is a national rite of passage.
"It plays a role in daily life, as well as festive occasions," the Belgian application states. "Almost 1,500 types of beer are produced in the country including by some Trappist [monk] communities."
The petition was submitted by the German-speaking portion of the Belgian population on behalf of all three linguistic communities in the country. It was endorsed by French- and Dutch-speaking brewers, as well.