Beer drought threatens Australia

PUBS in Australia could soon be without beer, according to a grim forecast from a climate change expert who believes environmental problems could hit barley production.

Australians have amongst the highest per capita beer consumption in the world, but the country is set to face a squeeze on beer supplies due to a decline in malting barley over the next 30 years.

Climate scientist Jim Salinger told the Institute of Brewing and Distilling convention: "It will mean either there will be pubs without beer or the cost of beer will go up."