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Fair Pint calls for OFT to probe beer discountsFair Pint calls for OFT to probe beer discounts
Anti-pubco group claims "growing disparity" between discount levels
Anti-pubco campaign group Fair Pint is calling for the authorities to investigate what it claims is a “growing disparity” between the discount levels pubcos get from brewers and the discount they pass on to tenants.
The group has written to the Office of Fair Trading urging an investigation – saying it is vital that pubcos act in an “open and transparent way”.
It said there was no reason why the gap between off-trade and on-trade prices should be so wide, because supermarkets and pubcos are able to buy their beer at a similar discount price.
This year’s Publican Market Report revealed tenants currently receive an average discount of £4.36, compared to £5.18 in 2007. The average freetrader’s discount was £30.26, compared to £30.01 in 2007.
Brian Jacobs, a member of Fair Pint’s steering group, said: “It is vital that the OFT investigate this issue and ensure that pubcos are forced to act in an open and transparent way.
“How can it be that the price of beer in pubs is dictated by organisations that neither brew the beer, nor run the pubs that it is sold in.”
Fair Pint is campaigning to the end the tie for all pubs owned by pubcos with 500 or more outlets.
A fresh MP-led review of the 2004 Trade and Industry Select Committee inquiry is due to kick-off in November.
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