ALMR accused of not looking after its members needs on licensing

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers has been accused of supporting the government's licensing reform bill at the expense of the industry.

Peter Linacre, who runs pub operator Massive which has 40 pubs in and around London, has withdrawn his membership of the association citing a difference of opinion on licensing.

In a letter to the association's chief executive Nick Bish, Mr Linacre slammed the group for supporting the current reform proposals.

He said: "As you know we have been deeply unhappy with the stance that you have taken in relation to licensing reform. "You have led a sleepwalk to disaster for the pub industry.

"The most recent survey in The Publican only goes to show how the constituency you are supposed to represent is overwhelmingly opposed to the type of reform you are prepared to agree to."

Mr Linacre also wrote a letter to home office official Andrew Cunningham outlining his objections to the current bill. He said in particular, the new law would mean that the company would pay £40,000 more a year because of licence renewal fees.

But Nick Bish said that many companies were panicking unnecessarily when the detail of the bill has yet to be finalised.

"Many pub companies don't trust the government," Mr Bish said. "They are believing what they are being told inaccurately. Nothing has been decided yet but they are reacting to speculation which is being dressed up as fact.

"Rather than walking away from the process, they should be part of the process. Fees and costs have not even been discussed yet," he added.