Craft brewers have been left crying into their beer amid allegations that the big drinks companies are trying to keep them out of pubs.
Alan Kelly, the Labour TD for Tipperary, raised the issue in the Dáil when he accused large breweries of abusing their market position by offering incentives to limit craft beer taps in bars.
Alan Kelly says big brewers are abusing their market position
LAURA HUTTON/PHOTOCALL IRELAND
“Let us call a spade a spade. The dogs in the street know what is happening here,” Mr Kelly said. “They are telling publicans they will give them funds, that they will pay for refurbishment, give them free kegs and even cash as long as they get rid of the other brands. How is that not illegal? No one can tell me it is not anti-competitive.”
Two brewers