STRATFORD, Conn. — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal paid a visit to Two Roads Brewery in Stratford on Tuesday to check out its expansion and to make his case against anti-competitive practices by "big beer."

Stratford Mayor John Harkins joined Blumenthal for the tour at Two Roads, the Stratford landmark where a $12 million expansion project is underway.

Blumenthal said big beer conglomerates are attempting to squeeze out local industries, such as craft brewers like Two Roads.

Blumenthal has urged close scrutiny of consolidation in the beer industry, calling on the U.S. Department of Justice "to ensure mega-mergers do not stifle America’s craft brewers—a vibrant local industry in Connecticut."

Recently, the senator visited Pioneer Hops Farm in Morris to meet with local hops producers and stood with Connecticut craft brewers at Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt against big beer anti-competitive practices.

"Enjoyed touring 2 Roads Brewing’s Stratford HQ today," Blumenthal said on Twitter. "CT brewers deserve protection from big beer companies' anti-competitive practices."

Blumenthal has expressed concern about how the $106 billion merger of Anheuser-Busch and SABMiller, approved last year by the Department of Justice and company shareholders, will impact the industry.

Small craft brewers could be hurt if the new Busch-Miller company pressures distributors to drop craft products or drive up the price of ingredients.

There are 49 craft beer breweries in Connecticut.

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