30 brand owners signed up to Heineken’s reduced connection fees

14-May-2019 - Last updated on 15-May-2019 at 11:04 GMT

Cheaper option: Heineken has enticed plenty of brand owners with its connection costs

Following a trial of pay-as-you-go brewer connection fee last year, brewer and pub operator Heineken has signed more than 30 brand owners up to the system.

Previously, the brewer charged a one-off connection fee of £145 for other brands to dispense on its systems where Heineken is the lead brewer.

In October, however, Heineken proposed a £10.50 fee for brewers to use the system, but is now charging £7.50 per line, per brand for those that pay promptly.

Heineken currently provides technical services and maintenance to 25,000 pubs and bars where it is the lead brewer.

Settle centrally

When brands choose to settle centrally with Heineken, it also means operators won’t be liable for costs.

However, in situations where brand owners don’t pay for the services and costs of the lines they use, publicans will be charged.

The scheme went live earlier this month, but Heineken is still nudging other brands to sign up.

UK on-trade director for Heineken Chris Jowsey said: “Nothing is more important to us than drinkers continuing to get a great selection of excellent-quality pints at their local pub, and publicans receiving a high-quality level of service.

“Our technicians carry out more than 100,000 pub visits and 40,000 installations a year to ensure that happens.

“But the old system of charging wasn’t fair or sustainable, and that’s why we’re changing it.”

More brands to sign up

Heineken is aiming to attract more brands to sign up to the scheme, but acknowledged there will be brewers that don’t wish to do so.

“That’s why, reluctantly, we will have to charge publicans for lines that are not centrally settled,” added Jowsey.

“Of course, my ambition is that publicans have nothing to pay. Already 95% of lines will not incur a charge for publicans.

“My message to brand owners who have not yet signed up is that our door remains open and there’s still time to settle your bills centrally and not leave it to publicans to pick up the tab.”