CAMRA calls for help with beer-tie challenge

CAMRA will challenge the Office of Fair Trading's (OFT) decision not take action over its 'super-complaint' into the beer tie - and is asking pub customers for a financial helping hand.

In July, the group submitted its complaint about the tie and suggested the high beer prices tenants and lessees have to pay for beer was damaging for consumers.

But in October, following an investigation, the OFT rejected the complaint and refused to take any further action.

CAMRA has now vowed to fight the decision but is calling on supporters to help fund the legal challenge.

Chief executive Mike Benner said: "CAMRA has taken the decision to appeal due to the inability of the OFT to deal with the problems affecting the UK pub sector.

"CAMRA's super-complaint to the OFT was based on securing a fair deal for the pub-goer, and building a sustainable future for Britain's pubs. However, we believe the OFT did not take reasonable steps to understand the pub sector, and more generally why over 50 pubs are closing per week across the UK.

"We've seen the consumer watchdog scrutinised in previous years with the success of the Association of Convenience Stores' appeal in 2005 in overturning the OFT's decision at Tribunal. Pending the success of our appeal, CAMRA remains optimistic of government intervention or a referral to the Competition Commission for a full investigation into the UK pub market."

CAMRA is entitled to appeal the OFT's decision to the Competition Appeals Tribunal.

From Tuesday January 5 consumers will be able to contribute to the Consumers v. OFT Pub Market Ruling' Campaign Fund by visiting www.camra.org.uk​