Vendors frustrated

The impending smoking ban and banks refusing to lend on leasehold purchases are just two of the frustrations facing vendors, according to a well-known champion of community pubs.

Greene King lessee Yvonne Cleminson, 60, has been at the Cherry Tree in Rowledge, Surrey, since 1981 and in that time has received a lifetime achievement award from the pubco.

Cleminson decided to quit the pub last August after giving evidence to the Community Pubs Inquiry.

"Once the decision was made I appointed an agent and began the long, stressful process of selling my pub," she said. "The Cherry Tree is set within award-winning gardens with a children's play area patio and is well-known for its home-cooked food and good beers, so I was told it would sell very quickly."

However, the licensee has faced a frustrating time.

"Having the smoking ban [coming up] and knowing that banks are reluctant to lend on pub leases is an issue.

"This is the biggest problem that has arisen so far. To have somebody enthuse about the business and see its potential, and then find that I've been let down at the last minute due to a lack of financial means has lifted me up and dropped me down again."

Earlier this month former BII Licensee of the Year Ali Carter voiced similar feelings about selling her pub, the Bayview Inn in Widemouth Bay, Cornwall.

"It is such an uncertain time," Carter said. "Even with an offer on the table, a deal can fall apart two, three or four months down the line.

"The thought of having to go through the whole process again is enough to give anyone the vapours."

The Cherry Tree is on the market for £155,000 and its turnover was £263,000 last year. For details call Greene King on 01284 714 497.