The current economic environment and 'challenging market conditions' have led to InBev Ireland revisiting its business model here with a view to proposing changes. Following the news that at least 170 of In Bev's on-trade sales staff face losing their jobs in the UK as a result of a company restructure, it has emerged that about 300 InBev jobs in total may be on the line following a 90-day period of consultation (currently underway).

As part of this, the situation here is under review with Tom McCusker, Managing Director at InBev Ireland, stating, "InBev Ireland began a review of its Republic of Ireland business in 2008 in order to find the optimum route to market for InBev brands.

"We are nearing completion of the review and are consulting with our employees on all potential outcomes. InBev Ireland remains committed to building and growing our brands in the RoI and the Island of Ireland and we are confident that we will be in a much stronger position to do this after the review has been completed."

Of the UK review, a spokesman for InBev stated, "This consultation is also a response to challenging market conditions and significantly higher costs as a result of record rises in beer taxation. The current economic environment and already declining beer market under further pressure from higher burden tax increases has meant that we need to review and propose any changes now."

While 'no final decisions have been taken', plans are afoot to close the Budweiser-producing Stag Brewery in Mortlake, London.