News Article Comments : MPs told pubco model is 'outdated'

The pubco model is "outdated" and the existence of the tie is hastening pub closures - that was the message to MPs in the first hearing of the Parliamentary probe into pub companies this morning.

Three anti-pubco campaigners hit out at different aspects of the status quo and said pubcos had not improved their treatment of tenants since the last probe by MPs four years ago.

The anti-pubco voice is being heard at the first session of the Business and Enterprise Committee inquiry into pubcos. The 11 MPs are looking at how pubcos have acted on recommendations from the 2004 Trade and Industry Select Committee report into how they treat tenants.

Clive Davenport of the Federation of Small Businesses kicked off by saying 99% of member licensees said the situation with pubcos hadn't changed since 2004.

MPs highlighted the figure of 35 pubs closing per week and the campaigners disputed claims from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) that the majority are free-of-tie. High rents were