Tim Martin, the outspoken, pro-Brexit chairman of pub chain JD Wetherspoon, threatened to stop selling European prosecco, champagne and Swedish cider in the event of a "trade war" once Britain leaves the European Union. Martin said that if the EU places punitive tariffs on the UK after Brexit, British companies will simply look elsewhere for their goods and services, punishing the EU's 27 members just as much as the UK.
Did we mention he compared the EU to a Monty Python sketch before threatening to pull out of a deal with one of the pub chain's largest suppliers? According to his shareholders, he did.
He then threatened to stop selling EU products including champagne and prosecco, saying that ‘in almost all cases there are suitable, and often excellent, alternatives to EU products available elsewhere.’ Even Swedish cider favourite, Koppaberg, isn’t immune to the threats. ‘In this case, the principal losers in a trade war would be the inhabitants of a small town in Sweden, where Kopparberg is produced, rather than the UK economy.’ He said. Sounds like a fun guy.
Who knew that much-loved Prossecco, a friend of birthday celebrations, engagements, office parties and nice summer evenings would now be threatened by Brexit? Poor, delicious, Koppaberg too. If you’ve never enjoyed a cold, raspberry Koppaberg in dim lighting surrounded by your mates, I highly suggest it. You should do it soon too, because with the way things are headed and if more businessmen decide to take Martin’s approach to alcoholic imports, you might be turning to beverages less traditional and evocative in the British imaginary. We soon might be limited to Pimms as our summer beverage of choice… And as Spring rolls around, we want options. I mean, after a long day at work you never know what you might be in the mood for, right?
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.