LAGER importer Andrew Ronnan has issued a writ against the European Commission in his battle to put real Bavarian beer in British pubs.

His Whalley-based Bavarian Lager Company is to challenge the EC to change the UK law which restricts the sale of so called guest beers.

Earlier in the year director Mr Ronnan got the Department of Trade and Industry to rethink the rules surrounding guest beers, but he claimed it did not go far enough because it excluded draught lager.

The commission backed Mr Ronnan's claim that the ban on the sale of draught beers, which have not been brewed according to traditional British methods, was discriminatory and a disguised restriction on trade. It also announced it was to drop plans to challenge the British law.

In a separate action, Mr Ronnan is also suing the Government for compensation and damages for losses he claims were suffered as a result of the law. He will now fight the amended law in a Luxembourg court, claiming the exclusion of draught lager is unfair.

Mr Ronnan imported the German lager Ingobrau, but was unable to sell it in pubs because it did not meet British brewing methods. He says the lack of competition in the lager sector has resulted in higher prices for customers.

Mr Ronnan said: "I am delighted the legal action has commenced.

"It will be very interesting going to Luxembourg in the pursuit of justice for my business. If pub landlords also end up benefiting then good luck to them as well.

"It's very difficult earning a living in the high street today even without the discrimination that has clearly existed over the past seven years.

"I know that we have a good case because I have had expert advice from many eminent lawyers."

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