BarTalk

Is there a need for another licensees' trade body?

Graham Rowson

Plungington Tavern, Preston, Lancashire

I cannot believe there is scope for another body on top of those that already exist. As a member of the British Institute of Innkeeping, I think it does a good job, although perhaps it could focus more on individual licensees. There is a feeling it has become perhaps a bit too corporate. It depends how much licensees feel they need in terms of trade support, but there are surely already sufficient bodies to go round.

Anita Adams

Golden Slipper, York

As a member of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations' management committee you would expect me to say there are already enough. Ideally there should be one national body, but the practicalities would simply not support one, as individual regions have their own specific needs. Personally I believe the FLVA does a good job and represents tremendous value for money.

Jeanne Brennan

The Royal Oak, Linthwaite, Huddersfield

I am a member

of the British Institute of Innkeeping, but thankfully, so far, I have not had the sort of problem that needs their help

or services. Do we need

another licensees' group? Probably not, as from what I

can see there are already too many. As long as you are a member of one established trade body, to ask for some support when you need it, I think that is enough.

Adrian Clay

Raikes Hall, Blackpool

There are already a wealth of organisations, so I am not sure what a new group would bring. Most are well established and have proved their worth. When you try and tackle the Government, for example, you need experienced people as you are often dealing with an immovable object. I cannot see what impact a new body would bring or how it could find the right people and resources to function effectively.