Enterprise Inns has announced that both Carlsberg Draught and Castlemaine XXXX will be withdrawn from its supply list at the end of January next year.
In a letter to its licensees, seen by The Publican, the company said the decision had been taken because "customers and retailers have moved away from these brands over the last few years."
The letter received by pubs this morning said Enterprise had conducted a review into its standard lagers, which shows the two beers were "no longer viable".
The letter said: "As part of the review we have concluded it is no longer viable to offer Carlsberg Draught Lager and Castlemaine XXXX as the number of stockists and volumes have fallen to such a low level."
The move will not affect other Carlsberg UK or InBev UK brands, and Carlsberg 275ml bottles will continue to be available.
Enterprise lessee Grant Hollier who runs the Plough and Harrow, in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, is furious at the decision as Carlsberg makes up 33 per cent of his draught sales.
Hollier has emailed Enterprise Inns saying: "Over the last 11 years at the Plough and Harrow I have built up the Carlsberg brand to a point where it now represents about 33 per cent of my draught sales. As I am sure you will agree this demonstrates a significant part of my turnover.
"If I am not able to provide this product many of my customers will go elsewhere, as several public houses in the immediate area stock Carlsberg Draught lager.
"In the current climate it's really going to affect the business."
More later...