CAMRA to forge ahead with beer tie super-complaint

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has vowed to press on with its Office of Fair Trading super-complaint on the beer tie despite Government minister John Healey vowing to force an opening up of the beer tie.

CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner said he still felt the OFT should undertake a market study and that the super-complaint dealth with "some other issues".

Benner gave a warm welcome to Healey's plans for reform. "This inspired action plan could offer a lifeline to thousands of pubs and help communities stave off pub closures which threaten their quality of life and community well-being," he said.

"I am delighted that John Healey has listened to CAMRA's calls to help stop pubs being demolished unnecessarily, to ban the anti-competitive practice of placing restrictive covenants on pubs to stop their future use as pubs, and for the industry to self-reform the beer tie to allow pub tenants a free of tie option and to take a guest ale."

CAMRA also welcomed steps to provide Government funding to Pub is the Hub, to ease planning restrictions on diversification and run a three year trial to provide much-needed support for communities who wish to buy their local pub.

"These plans have the potential to totally transform the UK pubs market leading to a freer, more competitive market where consumers will benefit from greater choice, improved amenity and lower prices.

"It is essential that the industry responds swiftly to reform the beer tie through a free of tie option for tenants and a guest beer. The rewards will be a much more vibrant and sustainable pub market.

"I hope pub-goers throughout the land will be raising a toast to these plans in their local tonight."