MP pubco workshops set for September

Three London Labour MPs — including a serving minister and an ex-minister — have confirmed dates for workshops with local licensees about how pubcos affect them.

Transport Minister Sadiq Khan (Tooting), former Sports Minister Kate Hoey (Vauxhall), and Battersea MP Martin Linton are involved.

The meetings will take place at the Eagle Ale House, run by Fair Pint members Simon Clarke and Dave Law, on 23 September between 3.30-5.30pm.

If the workshop idea proves a success, similar schemes could be rolled out across the country.

"We will be inviting a select number of tenants who have already voiced their concerns and indicated they want to be there but the truth is it will be open house, all welcome," said Enterprise tenants Clarke.

Topics up for discussion are likely to include the Business and Enterprise Committee (BEC) report, the Campaign for Real Ale's super-complaint, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors forums on rent setting guidance and the Land Agreements Exclusion & Revocation Order 2002.

"We hope to heighten awareness of the difficulties being caused to licensees, particularly as a result of the tie and pubco model, and the effects on the consumers both on a constituency and national level," said Clarke.

"The ultimate aim will be to encourage support for the recommendations of the BEC and seek MPs support for the referral of the issue of the tie to be investigated by the Competition Commission."

Hoey met with Enterprise lessee Steve Slatter, of the Coach & Horses in Clapham, earlier this year.

She told him: "It's pretty shocking really. The fact that you pay £125 for a barrel of Foster's beer when you could go down the road, and get it for substantially less. It just doesn't seem sensible."