The present invention is directed towards a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising at least one beverage dispensing module and a base unit upon or within which the or each module is positioned. Each module comprises a container housing a beverage reservoir and a beverage dispensing arrangement comprising a dispensing valve operable to be selectively opened to dispense beverage from the reservoir. Each module further comprises valve sensing means operable to determine when the dispensing valve is opened and provide a valve status signal indicative of whether the dispensing valve is opened. Each module further comprises communication means in communication with the valve sensing means and arranged to receive the valve status signal. The base unit comprises a base-module receiver operable to communicate with the communication means of one or more modules to receive the valve status signal therefrom. The apparatus is particularly suitable for alcoholic beverages.