Pub boycott works

A boycott of a pub in Sussex by local residents has brought a major brewery to it's knees. Drinkers at the Lewes Arms in Lewes, were furious when brewery Greene King, which owns the pub, decided to remove the locally brewed Harveys Best from the pub with their own brand,just before Christmas.

They vowed to fight the decision and a fortnight ago Greene King said they were reviewing their decision.
A 5-month boycott left the 220 year old pub all but deserted and profits plummeted.

Last week Greene King Local Pubs managing director Jonathan Lawson and regional manager Andrea Greenwood visited the pub to tell the regulars an order for Harveys had been placed and the beer will be served from the end of next week.

John May, spokesman for the Friends of the Lewes Arms, said: "Miracles do happen in Lewes. We are of course delighted that Greene King has decided to restore Harveys Best to the Lewes Arms permanently.

"We can now get on with the serious business of drinking our favourite bitter in our favourite pub."

Norman Baker, Lewes MP, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Greene King is reinstating Harveys in the Lewes Arms. I have been in regular contact with Greene King since Harveys was removed last year and this is without a shadow of a doubt the right decision to take.

"The campaign to bring back Harveys has been a wonderful example of how much can be achieved when a small group of people campaign on an issue they feel strongly about."