KEY POINTS:
DB Breweries is disappointed Lion Nathan has decided to pull out of the Beer, Wine and Spirits Council.
The Wellington-based research and lobbying organisation acted for the two big brewers on "non-commercial" issues, such as alcohol policy and responsible drinking.
DB corporate affairs general manager Mark Campbell said the council would shut at the end of the month with the loss of three full-time research and lobbying staff.
While DB and Lion would continue to co-operate generally on non-commercial issues, DB would have to look at replacing the council's functions internally.
Lion Nathan corporate affairs director Liz Read said the brewer felt it was better to leave the council and work directly with a wider range of players in the alcohol market, including retailers, so as to take a more collective approach to non-commercial issues. Relations with DB were still "good" despite the decision.
