First it was copper pipe. Now this... (MSNBC-Associated Press)
With metal prices rising, beer makers say they expect to lose hundreds of thousands of kegs and millions of dollars this year as those stainless steel holders of brew are stolen and sold for scrap.
The beer industry is coupling with the scrap metal recycling industry to let metal buyers know they can’t accept kegs unless they’re sold by the breweries that own them. They’re also pushing for legislation that would require scrap metal recyclers to ask for identification and proof of ownership from would-be sellers.
Some distributors are raising the deposits that they require from customers. How high can they raise the deposits? Certainly a bar owner can put up a few extra dollars per keg, which might encourage them to keep the kegs locked up when not in use. It's the occasional customer buying a keg for a weekend get-together who may be more sensitive to the deposit amount.
What do you think?
Read the whole thing.
Leave a comment