Pubcos failing trade charity

The Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) has slammed the financial support it receives from the big pubcos as "laughable"​.

LTC Appeals Chair Maureen Batty claimed the pubcos had a moral duty to support the industry's main charity but rarely offered to help out.

We have got to tell them they have a moral responsibility and the people we are helping are licensees and often their own employees​Maureen BattyLTC

Only two companies - Scottish & Newcastle and Punch - were singled out for their support for the LTC.

S&N annually donates £10,000 while Punch is sponsoring the charity's volunteers programme with a £12,000 cheque.

"Support from the trade and drinks companies is few and far between,"​ she told the LTC conference.

"When we ask for help we tend to get the same excuses from these companies.​

"These range from companies saying they support their own charities or their budgets are already committed no matter what time of year we approach them," she complained.

Delegates heard that many of the people now needing help were the very licensees who had worked in the trade helping the big companies build up their vast profits.

"We have got to tell them they have a moral responsibility and the people we are helping are licensees and often their own employees."​

LTC chairman Anita Adams added: "The pubcos need to look after their own people when they need help.​

"We are talking about people who have run their pubs and helped them build their profits.

"Its pay back time now and we are looking to the pubcos to help us."