A-B IN LEGAL TANGLE OVER FRENCH LAW ON SPORTS & SUDS

          Anheuser-Busch is "embroiled in a bitter battle" with
     the French government over Budweiser ads, according to
     William Echikson of BUSINESS WEEK.  A-B, the official
     sponsor of the '98 World Cup, wants its logo displayed in
     French stadiums and visible during broadcasts.  But due to
     French law "to avoid fueling hooliganism," almost all beer
     sales are banned at French soccer games.  The government has
     also stopped televising sporting events in stadiums with
     liquor ads.  A-B is lobbying the European Commission (EC) in
     Brussels, as according to some EC officials, "the French are
     barring free competition."  The debate "could end up" before
     the European Court of Justice (BUSINESS WEEK, 3/24).