REGIONAL BEER

Early day motion 965, tabled 26 March 2003 by Candy Atherton (Labour). Signed by 103 members.

That this House expresses concern about the ever-increasing consolidation of pub and wholesaler ownership which is having an adverse effect on regional distinctiveness and consumer choice; notes that over 70 per cent. of pubs are prevented from selling beer from small local brewers; further notes that publicans have allegedly been intimidated when they have attempted to sell local and regional beers; further notes that this has an adverse effect upon competitiveness, stifles local distinctiveness and means that our regional tourist industry suffers; and supports the call by the Campaign for Real Ale and the Society of Independent Brewers for a full investigation by the Office of Fair Trading into the practices used by the large pub companies, multinational brewers and associated wholesalers to prevent small local brewers selling their beers locally.

Signatures by party: Labour 66, Liberal Democrat 20, Labour/Co-operative 8, Conservative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 2.