Irish Republican News · July 7, 2004

Bass pulls out of west Belfast

A boycott of Bass beer has been mooted after the owners of the Bass Brewery in west Belfast decided to sell up.

Interbrew has warned that the factory could close if they do not find a buyer.

Up to 80 jobs would go if brewing were to cease on the Glen Road site.

Interbrew said the decision had been taken following the ending of a long-term contract to bottle soft drinks at the plant.

The company said it was willing to offer any purchaser a long-term contract to produce beer for the Irish market.

Bass was the largest private employer in west Belfast and the moves has come as a shock in the area, as its brewery on the Glen Road was profitable.

Speaking after meeting with Trade Union representatives from the brewery Mr Adams said it was a “devastating blow” to workers their families and to the West Belfast community.

“This is an example of a globalisation strategy which places profit above people -- despite the fact that the Glen Road brewery is a viable, economic business.

He said Goodwill by Interbrew could have kept the plant going.

“Whatever the outcome of all of this one priority must be to protect the enhanced redundancy package due to workers from Interbrew.”

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