Carlsberg not being delisted by Enterprise

Enterprise Inns has issued an apology to Carlsberg and admitted it made a mistake telling licensees it had delisted the lager.

Last week The Publican​ revealed that the pubco giant had written to licensees informing them the brand would be removed from its supply list.

But this week Simon Townsend, Enterprise Inns chief operating officer, said Carlsberg would still be available.

He said: "For the sake of absolute clarity, Enterprise is not delisting Carlsberg lager from our estate.

"We have however launched a major initiative which makes Stella 4% available to Enterprise retailers, giving first-user advantage and a tremendous support package to those who wish to take it up. The primary purpose of our recent letter to retailers was to promote this new opportunity.

"It has always been our intention that Carlsberg should remain available to those retailers who believe that it represents an essential part of their customer offering, and our letter to retailers should have made this clear.

"We have apologised to Carlsberg for any confusion and embarrassment that this unfortunate miscommunication has caused."

Enterprise added that it was in the process of informing its 1,500 licensees that stock Carlsberg of the change.

Last week licensees told The Publican​ their businesses would have been hampered by the move.

Grant Hollier, of the Plough and Harrow in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, said he was thrilled he could still stock Carlsberg as it makes up 33 per cent of his draught sales.

"I am surprised and extremely happy at the decision. It restores my faith in Enterprise Inns for listening to its lessees.

"There is obviously a demand for Carlsberg there.

"With the difficulties the trade is facing this would have been another major blow for certain pubs."

A Carlsberg spokesman said: "Carlsberg UK is pleased to confirm that it has now received confirmation from Enterprise Inns that Carlsberg is not being de-listed."