Crehan case faces collapse
The case of Crehan Vs Inntrepreneur could be facing ruin as Mr Crehan now faces bankruptcy.
During the course of the case, which has been going on for over 10 years, Mr Crehan has incurred personal debts of £20,000. If made bankrupt, his entitlement to legal aid would be jeopardised putting the test case at risk and the cases of hundreds of other Inntrepreneur licensees in limbo.
Mr Crehan's case revolves around the terms of the tie imposed by Inntrepreneur in the late 1980s. He claims the unfair terms made it impossible for his two pubs to compete, leading to a collapse of the business and losses of around £1.3m.
In a landmark case the Court of Appeal last May found in favour of Mr Crehan, ruling that his beer tie had been a breach of European competition law. Inntrepreneur is appealing against the decision while Mr Crehan is appealing for further damages.
A fund has been set up by solicitors Maitland Walker to help Mr Crehan pay these debts. Other Inntrepreneur licensees have already raised £3,000 for the new fund.
Rupert Croft, partner at solicitors Maitland Walker, said: "The situation is urgent. Bernie and Delores Crehan have been leading the fight against Inntrepreneur since 1993. Their test case has been their life for the past decade. During that time, they have had to make huge personal sacrifices.
"The brewers and pubcos appear to have blacklisted Bernie because of his role in the test case. As a result, Bernie has unfortunately been unemployed since he and Dolores were forced out of their pubs by Inntrepreneur in 1993."
Cheques in contribution to the Fund should be made payable to The Bernie Crehan Fund and sent to Maitland Walker at Eagle Tower, Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 1TA.
The sum to be raised by this appeal will be confined to the level of the Crehans' debts. Any payments in excess of that sum will be returned to donors.
Pictured l-r: Alex Smith, Bernie Crehan, Dolores Crehan, Ken Lindsay, Del Maguin. Mr Smith, Mr Lindsay and Mr Maguin have Article 81 claims against Inntrepreneur stayed behind Mr Crehan's.
Related articles:
Crehan case delayed until next year (12 April 2005)
Inntrepreneur agreement in Crehan case (1 July 2004) Crehan case goes to Lords (24 June 2004)
Crehan wins beer tie case (21 May 2004)
