Greene King, the brewer and pub operator, has angered locals in Lewes by banning sales of locally-brewed Harveys Ale in the town’s landmark pub. The company bought the 207-year old Lewes Arms in 1998 and until now, has sold its own beers alongside the local favourite, which accounts for 80% of sales across the bar. However, it is now banning the beer from permanent sale, although it may appear as an occasional guest beer. Protesters, including the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA), claim that Greene King’s desire to increase the sale of its own products by banning a more popular local rival is symptomatic of the company’s strategy of turning community pubs into restaurants or selling them off as housing. A thousand people have signed a petition against the move, including the mayor of the town and the local MP Norman Baker, but a spokesman for the company says it is not willing to change its decision. An effigy of Greene King’s chief executive was burnt at the Lewes Guy Fawkes Night bonfire three years ago, when the company first threatened to stop selling Harveys. A further fiery protest was expected this year. The Times 04/11/06 page 54