Posted Thursday, May 15 --- 8:20am

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The chief executive of Miller Brewing Co. says it's starting to see cash-strapped drinkers trading down to economy beers.

Tom Long says the Milwaukee-based brewer saw some shift between higher-priced, premium beers and economy beers starting in January.

He says this shift to beers like Miller High Life and Milwaukee's Best is being driven by Americans dealing with high gas prices and other soaring costs. But he says volumes of beers sold remain stable.

Americans also are spending less in bars and restaurants, and Long told reporters in a conference call Thursday that Miller is seeing declines in sales to those businesses.

Long didn't offer any new information about the proposed joint venture between Miller and Molson Coors Brewing Co. That awaits governmental approval.

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