Call for brewing inquiry

THE Campaign for Real Ale is demanding an urgent inquiry to sort out the 'turmoil' in the brewing industry.

Camra says today that the Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry in 1989 on the supply of beer had left drinkers crying into their pints. Customers had been promised more competition, a wider choice of beer, cheaper prices and there was also to be a fairer deal for the tenants of pubs 'tied' to big brewers. But three years later, it adds, beer prices have been raised by 17 per cent above inflation; there are fewer big brewers but their market grip is stronger; thousands of hard- working tenants have been thrown out of their pubs; 'cosy' deals between brewers and pub-owning chains have kept choice across the bar the same, and the policy of having 'guest' beers has been limited.