Essex licensee takes on beer tie

An Essex licensee has run into trouble with his pubco after he began stocking a locally brewed ale to support a village brewery.

Dave Jaques, who runs The Cock, in Henham, has been stocking Saffron Brewery's Essex Pale Ale for four weeks but the move goes against his Punch Taverns beer tie.

Jaques told the Herts and Essex Observer: "On November 10 I informed our area manager that we would now be stocking Saffron Brewery beer in direct opposition to our lease agreement and the wishes of Punch Taverns.​

"I believe supporting our local businesses is of paramount importance in maintaining our community."

He added: "It's wrong that I have this award-winning brewery on my doorstep and I can't buy its beer."​

The beer has proved popular with locals and negotiations are now underway with Punch to get it listed.

A spokesman for Punch told the paper: "His lease agreement stipulates Mr Jaques must purchase all beer for The Cock from Punch Taverns.​

"This 'beer tie' is standard practice for all companies operating leased and tenanted pubs.

"We know Mr Jaques is eager to stock locally brewed beer from the Saffron Brewery and are currently investigating the possibility of getting these particular products listed through Punch."

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