'Probably the worst decision in world to close Carlsberg brewery'

By Ewan Turney

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Real ale Brewing

Camra: condemned brewery closure news
Camra: condemned brewery closure news
The Campaign for Real Ale has condemned Carlsberg's decision to close its Leeds brewery as "probably the worst decision in the world".

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has condemned Carlsberg's decision to close the Joshua Tetley Brewery in Leeds as "probably the worst decision in the world".

Camra says the decision to close the brewery at a time when interest in real ale is growing is shortsighted.

Carlsberg has blamed the closure on plummeting demand due to the credit crunch, smoking ban and duty hikes.

"It is unclear where Carlsberg UK intends to brew the famous Tetley beers which remain household names in the UK," said Camra vice chairman and director of brewery campaigning Bob Sutkins.

"Brewed outside their Leeds heartland I fear they would lack the provenance which today's discerning consumers expect. While we recognise the enormous challenges facing the brewing industry at present, I think this is a shortsighted decision.

"Recent statistics clearly show that real ale is performing better than other beer styles in a declining market. There is an opportunity to respond to this, invest in the Tetley brands and bring them back to glory."

The Intelligent Choice report published in September shows that real ale sales are moving towards growth while the overall beer market has declined by 8% in the year to May 2008.

Camra has asked for a meeting with Carslberg UK to discuss a way forward for the brewery which brews Tetley's Dark Mild, Tetley's Mild, Ansells, Best Bitter, Burton Ale and the famous Tetley Bitter.

Sutkins added: "We have a two year window of opportunity before the brewery gates are set to close for the last time. We will be supporting anyone who has a plan to keep the mash tuns running in this historic brewery and we'll be looking at every possible option to save the brewery.

"Jobs and this iconic Yorkshire Brewery should not close due to the development potential of this city site."

Carlsberg to shut Leeds brewery​.

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