CAMRA's OFT beer tie appeal withdrawn
CAMRA has withdrawn its appeal against the Office of Fair Trading's (OFT's) decision not to refer the beer tie to the competition authorities, The Publican can reveal.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) last week allowed the consumer group to officially withdraw its appeal against the OFT's refusal to take action.
CAMRA first launched the appeal after the OFT rejected its super-complaint in October 2009.
It brings to an end, for now, CAMRA's long-running bid to have the beer tie fully investigated by the Competition Commission.
Jonathan Mail, CAMRA's head of policy and public affairs, said the withdrawal was "essentially a formality" as the three-month window to launch a further appeal had closed.
"Any other interested party, such as Fair Pint, GMB, or the ALMR could have launched an appeal," he said.
But he added: "We have made a lot of progress with the beer tie campaign. We have a clear commitment from government it will intervene if the pubcos do not offer a guest beer option or proper codes of conduct."
He said CAMRA would consider its option in the future on the issue, depending on what becomes of the OFT, which may become merged with the Competition Commission as part of the government's plans to streamline quangos.
CAMRA originally lodged its "super-complaint" with the OFT in July 2009 - claiming high rents and tied beer prices were driving good licensees out of business and stunting competition in the industry.
But the OFT ruled there was "no evidence" the tie was having a detrimental effect on consumers.
However, CAMRA appealed the decision, but after a consultation the OFT came back again, last October, and said no further action was needed as the market was "competitive".
CAMRA had slammed both OFT decisions, with chief executive Mike Benner branding the body as being "blinkered".
Nicola Kingaby, a competition expert at law firm TLT, said: "It is to be hoped that CAMRA's decision to withdraw its appeal brings the long running 'beer tie' saga to an end.
"Whilst CAMRA may be disappointed at the OFT's refusal to take further action, the decision will be welcomed by those pub companies operating the tied model, as the OFT's findings confirm that the beer tie is a legitimate business strategy."
