OFT Publishes Its Response To The Beer Ties Super-Complaint

On 22 October 2009, the OFT published its response to the Campaign for Real Ale ("CAMRA") super-complaint (the "super-complaint") relating to the supply of beer in pubs. The issues raised in the super-complaint related to the operation of exclusive purchasing obligations by pub-owning companies ("pub companies") which require their tenants to purchase beer and other drinks solely through the pub company (the "beer tie"). CAMRA's super-complaint argued that these beer ties led to a lessening of competition between pub companies and led to higher prices and less choice for consumers. The super-complaint also raised issues relating to the method according to which rents are calculated by pub companies.