The supply of beer : a report on the supply of beer for retail sale in the United Kingdom

Sales of beer in the UK amount to over #9 billion. If no changes are made to the brewing industry then it is inevitable that a very small number of brewers will dominate the market.

At present six national have 75% of the market. This report by the Monopolies & Mergers Commissison investigates the brewing monopoly and puts forward detailed recommendations to increase competition in brewing, wholesaling and retailing, encourage new entry, reduce prices and widen consumer choice.

The UK beer market is assessed. The views are sought of The Brewers Society, National Licenced Victuallers' Association, indivdual brewers, manufacters of non - beer drinks, independent wholesalers, tenants, trade unions, and other associations.

The Commission concludes that a monopoly exists in favour of those brewers who own tied houses or have certain tying agreements, and comprehensive recommendations are put forward.