By James Wilmore

IFBB responds to super complaint in 19-page submission

Family brewers have told the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) an end to the beer tie would lead to further pub closures, the loss of more traditional breweries and leave the market open for global brewers.

In its 19-page response to CAMRA’s super-complaint, the Independent Family Brewers of Britain (IFBB), which represents 27 breweries, has argued outlawing the tie would “shake the industry’s foundations”, as the traditional brewery tenancy is fundamental to the success of family firms.

Paul Wells, chief executive of Wells & Young’s and the IFBB’s chairman said: “CAMRA has always supported the traditional brewery tie operated by IFBB members, and as they have observed, removal of the tie would confer greatly increased market power on the global brewers.

“As a result the regional diversity in cask beers the consumer is currently able to enjoy would be damaged beyond repair.”

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