Lunch-only beer policy prompts Carlsberg strike

For thirsty brewery workers, it was probably the worst ban in the world. Hundreds of Carlsberg employees walked out when managers removed their right to drink free beer during the day.

Lorry drivers also joined the lightning strike in sympathy even though their long-standing right to three bottles a day was not touched.

The workers said that they were demonstrating their anger at a lack of consultation before beer was removed from fridges around the plants at Fredericia in mainland Denmark and Høje Taastrup near Copenhagen.



But Carlsberg insisted it would not reverse its decision to scrap the 163-year-old tradition that its workers could enjoy free beers throughout the day, imposing a new policy of drinking only at lunchtime.

Soft drinks are still available in the fridges and beer has now been provided on tap during lunchtime so workers can help themselves.

Drivers will retain their historical rights to take away three bottles at lunchtime but have to pass a breathalyser test linked to the ignition of their lorries to make sure that they are not over the limit.