Belgian Brewer to Buy Anheuser-Busch
 

Belgian Brewer to Buy Anheuser-Busch

I'm not even a beer drinker, but this just seems wrong to me.

Global economy. There is no way to stop this train. As the US dollar continues to dive I am afraid we may be seeing more of this. Countries from the Middle East (oil rich), as well as China and India will be seeking to own a greater share of the US economy engine.

... besides their product is crap.

Stella is good beer.

I meant A-B is crap, they can have it. :) Cheap alcohol is a good investment in a turbulent economy.

Oh, sorry about that, I read it the other way around. Really I don't care who owns what anymore, well with the exception of security related assets, which beer is not.

Has anyone heard anything about what this deal will do to Anheuser-Busch owned properties like Sea World and Busch Gardens?

They're being taken over by Duff Gardens.

The only positive outcome I see (in my personal life) to these mega-corporations is a minor backlash that encourages people to patronise smaller businesses.

I was talking to a customer in the pub about it tonight. We're technically part of a chain as we are owned by a company. We have limited choice in what we sell and consequently only stock the really big names. BUT we are small enough to pass under their radar and have a much more personal feel because of it.

Ideally I'd like to work in a Freehouse (as I did back in Aylesbury) but there's precious few around in this area. Those that are - and those that appear to be, like us - are often treasured. If only we could get a few more real ales/ local brews in we'd be laughing.

I love to go in a pub and see something different on the pumps. I'm not a bitter drinker, but I figure if I see some unusual bitters I'm probably somewhere that's worth coming back to.

Why is smaller/local better?

More personal.
I'm free to give water to passing cyclists/ walkers. Or let them use our toilets. The chain HM works for actively discourages anyone trying to use the facilities or get free drinks. I like to think people's days are better for it.

We also uphold the East End tradition of free bar food on Sundays. Only cheese & crackers because we sell Sunday lunches. But it's welcoming. None of the chains offer this.

The shop I worked in in Leicester often offered extra services to customers that they would not have had from department store. We bent over backwards to help our customers because although we were on a set wage, we worked alongside the owners.

There is definitely place for both, but I try to patronise small local businesses where possible. Once they're gone, they're gone and the personal touch and any kind of negotiation is gone with it.

Also, in the wider view - local is far better for the environment.

Pubs in US operate totally differently from those in the UK. You can get pretty much any beer in any pub or restaurant, here -no link to manufacturers. Unlike soft drinks where it's the Coke line or the Pepsi line, but never both. The only exception (beer-wise) is pubs that brew their own (Microbreweries). they don't serve the competition in the main. Pubs are not generally owned or franchised by the breweries like they are in the UK. Why not, I don't know. Maybe because food is often a bigger part of it than it is in the UK.

Bitter is a type of beer for the few who thought SG was talking about her emotions.

Now I'm wondering if Americans use the word "punps" in relation to draft beer? On the pump means On Tap. You've got me all paranoid. I need another beer. (Bud)

UK Chain Pubs = US Walmart Stores

...they serve a purpose, but crush character and community.

Once again - my translator!
Ta.