CAMRA urges MPs to back 'radical reform' of beer tie

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is urging MPs to back "radical reform" of the beer tie and to speak up for community pubs, local brewers and consumers.

The drive mirrors the British Beer and Pub Association's "I'm backing the pub" (BBPA launches new pub manifesto​) push aside from one key factor — it calls for reform of the beer tie.

The Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter​ was launched at a Parliamentary reception last night, hosted by All Party Beer Group chairman John Grogan.

The Labour MP, who received a reward for his contribution to promoting beer, said that he hoped the Business, Innovation Skills Committee report — due in early March — would help the industry "chart a way forward".

CAMRA is asking politicians to:

• Promote the interests of Britain's 15m regular pub goers

• Champion the community importance of well-run pubs

• Support the re-balancing of alcohol taxation to protect well-run community pubs, small brewers and traditional cider producers

• Press reform of beer tie arrangements to ensure a fair deal for consumers, allow local brewers to sell their beers to local pubs and to deliver a sustainable future for Britain's pubs

• Seek to address issues of alcohol-related harm through a more targeted, nuanced policy approach that supports pubs which play a positive role in community life and provide a safe and responsible place to enjoy a drink

Radical reform​

The manifesto asks consumers to back its campaign for a change in planning laws to stop the demolition of pubs, action against below-cost selling of alcohol in supermarkets, a zero duty rate on beers below 2.8% abv, legislation for a full pint, an end to restrictive covenants and reform of the beer tie.

CAMRA said: "There must be radical reform in the operation of the beer tie, to rebalance the relationship between the large pub companies and their licensees to deliver benefit to consumers.

"This should include the provision of a guest beer right."

The preliminary hearing of CAMRA's appeal against the Office of Fair Trading's findings over its super-complaint on the beer tie is due to take place this coming Monday (8 February).