THAT’S REALLY TAKING THE P!

Fury as strength of Fosters slashed to 3.7%

LAGER fans have slammed a decision to slash the strength of Foster’s – while increasing the price.

Brewery chiefs say they are promoting moderate drinking by reformulating the Aussie tipple – famous for its “good call!” TV ads.

The lager is currently 4% ABV but draught pints will be 3.7% from January 23 – with cans following suit on February 13.

It came as Foster’s UK brewer Heineken warned pubs it is ramping up the cost of beers and ciders by almost 16% from next year.

Rick Franks, 52, who lives in Chesham in Bucks, fumed: “I won’t buy it anymore, I’ll drink something stronger – 4% has to be minimum.”

Jon Goodin, 35, from Henham, Essex, said: “The fact that Foster’s are reducing the alcohol from their beer seems more like a money-saving task than a reaction to healthier consumers.

“In my opinion, they should come out and say, ‘We’re trying to save money because of world problems and inflating prices,’ rather than, ‘It’s for a healthier consumer.’”

The electrician added: “I couldn’t care less that Foster’s are doing what they are doing – it’s the worst Australian export since Rolf Harris.”

The average cost of a pint of draught lager saw its biggest increase in 10 years, jumping to £4.15 last month, Office for National Statistics data shows.