BBPA: OFT's beer tie report was robust
The Office of Fair Trading's (OFT) original decision on the beer tie was "robust", according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
Hastings: report was based on a sound assessment of the evidence
The BBPA defended the OFT's original rejection of the Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) super-complaint as the consultation process re-opened for a six week period (OFT to reconsider CAMRA super-complaint).
It means that CAMRA's appeal has been shelved until 1 August and that all sides of the industry have the chance to submit further information.
The OFT said it believed it had a "firm basis" to defend the appeal but was mindful of the "substantial resource" that an appeal would cost both sides.
“We fully appreciate why the OFT is seeking a constructive alternative to the Competition Appeal Tribunal process, which would be expensive and time-consuming for all parties," said BBPA director of communications Mark Hastings.
"We believe the OFT’s original decision was robust and based on a sound assessment of the evidence.
"We look forward to engaging fully in the consultation process.”
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