Is lager row simply a storm in a pint glass?

Petition started for the return of Tennent’s brand

A tongue-in-cheek petition calling for the return of Tennent’s Lager to the St Andrews University’s students union has sparked a furore in the Fife town.

Tennent’s revealed yesterday that it has sent an “emergency” pallet of cans to the university’s halls of residence in response to student calls to get arguably Scotland’s favourite pint back on the union bar.

The brand was contacted by concerned members of the St Andrews University Tennent’s Lager Appreciation Society and said it is pledging to support the petition, which was started by student Thomas Coombes, however it can.

But university chiefs have dismissed the company’s offer, hinting that such a move could be viewed as socially irresponsible.

“It’s a nice gesture from Tennent’s, but not one the university can accept,” a university spokesperson said.

“Many of our students in halls are under 18, and we’re sure that Tennent’s, like the university, would want to ensure there was no possibility of doing anything which might encourage underage drinking.”

As well as the surprise delivery, Tennent’s said it would be offering students vouchers to redeem a pint of lager in bars across St Andrews.

Charlotte Andrew, Student Association president, said the change from Tennent’s to Coors at the union this year was decided upon by a buying consortium of five Students’ Associations from across Scotland and Northern Ireland, and echoed the concerns of the university about Tennent’s actions.

“This two-year deal represented the best offer for students,” she explained.

“Sending 1,728 cans of free alcohol into halls of residences, especially when there are students aged 16 and 17 living in halls, is not demonstrative of socially responsible behaviour from such a large and well-known company.”

But Mr Coombes the student behind the petition which had gained almost 250 signatures yesterday, hopes the Union will be forced into a U-turn.

“The opportunity to drink Tennent’s is one which should be available to any student in Scotland,” he said.

“To take it away from us is to deprive us all of the only thing which keeps the student population going through the long winter nights.

“This is our call to arms, the day we take our stand against an injustice which cannot be allowed to fester in the heart of our beloved town.”

Claire Arnott, head of UK brand activation at Tennent’s, added: “We were touched when we read the articles and petition so thought sending some beer was the least we could do.”

A Tennent’s spokesperson said: “We’re speaking with St Andrews University about how we can best distribute our supply of emergency Tennent’s Lager to those students in need. As always, responsible drinking is the ultimate priority for us, so we’re hopeful of finding a way that makes this work for everybody.” csmith@thecourier.co.uk

This is our call to arms, the day we take our stand against an injustice which cannot be allowed to fester in the heart of our beloved town. THOMAS COOMBES

The emergency pallet of Tennent’s ready to be delivered to St Andrews.