A WAR of words has erupted between South African Breweries and its rival,Brandhouse Beverages, with the former accusing the latter of ripping beer drinkers off by slashing the quantity of beer per bottle by 12percent.

Brandhouse has responded by saying SAB was trying to convince tavern owners to sell a 660ml Amstel bottle at more than R10.

SAB yesterday admitted to waging the nationwide campaign, saying it believed its competitor was making misleading economic arguments to retailers.