July 8, 2003 -- Seeking new sources of revenue, it was reported last month that the Czech government was considering the sale of the country's famous, publicly-owned brewery, Budweiser Budvar. This announcement was cause for concern among beer aficionados world-wide, as the brewery has long been pursued by the American brewing giant, Anheuser-Busch, with whom it has long been in a protracted global battle for the rights to the word 'Budweiser.'

(The name 'Budwesier' was once a generic term for any beer brewed in the town of Budweis, much as pilsner once meant a beer from Pilsen. In their book, 'Under the Influence,' Peter Hernon and Terry Ganey report that Adolphus Busch discovered the name while researching beer styles and brewing techniques in Europe and imported it to the United States.)

In a new interview with the BBC, however, the Czech Republic's deputy finance minister, Eduard Janota, has said that the proposed privatization of the state-owned brewer will not go ahead for another two years. This will give time to the regional government, which is reportedly considering making a bid for the brewery.

The beer Budweiser Budvar is sold in North America as Czechvar.

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