Ireland | More trouble brewing on the island of Ireland. The Republic is reportedly planning to introduce Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for alcohol before the North. This could result in beer being up to twice as expensive in the Republic than in Northern Ireland. Guess what will happen? Irish retailers will cry into their beers while smugglers will laugh up their sleeves.

Belgium | The rumour mongers were right: Carlos Brito, who built AB-InBev into the world’s major brewer, will step down as CEO in July as the firm shifts its focus from acquisitions to organic growth. The Financial Times newspaper was the first to spread this rumour in September 2020.

The Netherlands | With a nod to Earth Day activists, on 22 April 2021, Dutch brewer Heineken announced that it aims for all of its production sites to become carbon neutral, maximising renewable energy and energy efficiency. As part of its EverGreen campaign, the company will cut its overall emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

Italy | Since 22 April 2021, a gigantic wooden goat dominates Milan’s modern Piazza Gae Aulenti. It is impossible not to see it, considering it stands 14 metres tall. Few people will be aware that the statue, which actually looks like a Trojan Horse, albeit with horns, has been embroiled in a billboard battle between AB-InBev and Asahi.

The Netherlands | After repeated threats from desperate publicans that they will reopen their venues regardless of the lockdown, the Dutch government relented. On 28 April 2021, outdoor terraces were reopened for guests from noon until 6 pm. Still, all sales of alcohol are prohibited from 8 pm until 6 am. This applies to hotels, takeout and delivery and all other outlets selling alcohol.

Belgium | The figures make grim reading. Europe’s brewers lost more than 40 percent in on-premise beer sales in 2020, due to covid restrictions and bar closures. Last year, beer sold in the hospitality sector dropped to 75 million hl from 126 million hl in 2019.

Belgium | AB-InBev, the world’s major brewer, in early April, had to dispose of millions of litres of beer into the River Meuse from its brewery in Jupille, near Liege.

United Kingdom | So now we know: Dragons’ Den, a TV reality show, which has been aired by the BBC since 2006, is not the format to pitch beery ideas to investors.

Ireland | Covid-19 has significantly impacted the drinks industry, as a result of the closure of the hospitality sector. Per capita alcohol consumption declined by 6.6 percent last year.

United Kingdom | From 12 April, restaurants and pubs will be allowed to serve customers again outdoors. They will then be given the go-ahead to offer indoor seating from 17 May, provided they meet specific covid-19 conditions. Restrictions are due to be totally relaxed by 21 June 2021.