Carlsberg UK has been unable to comment on rumours that it is about to pull out of football sponsorship, including its deal with Liverpool Football Club. Carlsberg told the Morning Advertiser that no-one was available to comment on the rumours, which surfaced this week, at the time of going to press. Liverpool Echo sports editor John Thompson said: "The clock is ticking on the Carlsberg sponsorship of Liverpool. So far there has been no announcement on a renewal."
Youth club to apply for bar licence
The Metro Youth Club in Lowestoft, Suffolk, plans to get a full bar licence to serve alcohol to members aged 18 or over in a bid to provide a safe and responsible environment for youths to learn about the dangers of alcohol. Suffolk County Council said drinking would only be allowed in moderation and that no promotions or happy hours would be put in place. However, the Salvation Army of East Anglia said it would simply add pressure on teenagers to drink.
Thomson new head of Matthew Clark
Constellation Europe has appointed Steve Thomson as managing director of its wholesale division, Matthew Clark. Thomson joined the company in 2001 as managing director of Matthew Clark Scotland. Prior to joining Constellation, Thomson worked for paper distributor Papyrus and Jim Beam Brands.
Michelob Ultra ad gets ASA green light
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has dismissed complaints against a Michelob Ultra television commercial. The ad features sporting activities such as running and kick boxing. The voice-over said: "If this is what your life is about, this is your beer." Some viewers believed it linked alcohol with sporting activities, but the ASA ruled the separation of the two events was clear.
InBev UK sales won't grow this year'
InBev's UK sales and volumes are not expected to return to growth this year, according to chief executive John Brock. Last year volumes of flagship brand Stella Artois declined by 2.6% while in Scotland, Tennents fell by 1.6%. Castlemaine XXXX, however, saw an 11% volume increase.
Protz celebrates 15 years of UK brewing
Morning Advertiser beer writer Roger Protz will be giving a tutored beer tasting at a London festival celebrating the best of the last 15 years of British brewing. The festival, entitled the Camra Supreme Champion Beers of Britain 1990-2005, runs from Thursday 7 April to Sunday 10 April at the Bread and Roses pub in Clapham. Entry is free.