Pubco protesters call for end to beer tie
Frustrated licensees will today protest outside the headquarters of Britain's two biggest pubcos — Punch Taverns and Enterprise Inns — and call for the beer tie to be removed.
A "Call for Action" letter will be presented to Enterprise chief operating officer Simon Townsend and Punch chief executive Giles Thorley by members of Justice for Licensees and Fair Pint.
The letter calls for:
• Pubcos to be open with their tenants about the way in which rents are calculated.
• Upward only rent reviews to be removed.
• The tie on amusement with prizes machines removed.
• The supply tie of anything at all (food, all forms of liquor or operating cost) removed.
"Many thousands of tied pub landlords around the country are suffering because of the unfair supply arrangements operated by Enterprise Inns/Punch," said protest organiser Inez Ward in the letter.
"We know they are struggling for survival and will have no alternative but to close their doors as a result of the tie if nothing is done. We believe that the tie has become unworkable, untenable and unfair.
"We feel we are being ignored by our pubcos' and their regional managers. We have tried to talk to them and to have a meeting with you but without success.
"Today we are asking you to listen to the people that know what is going on in your pubs. We want you to understand that there is a serious problem on the ground and that your tenants need support and advice — which they are not getting.
"Please do not continue to ignore us. Please listen to what we have to say and help us to save our pubs. We very much hope that we can meet with you at the earliest opportunity to discuss our concerns."
Punch has said it will invite any of its lessees in for a "coffee and a chat" but Enterprise said it did not believe it was the correct way in which to conduct a business relationship.
The protesters are expected to arrive at Enterprise HQ in Solihull at round 11am before moving to Punch HQ in Burton-upon-Trent at 130pm.
Our reporter Gemma McKenna has travelled up to the protest with the licensees. The Morning Advertiser will be providing regular updates throughout the day.
Click here to follow the day's events: Pubco protest: live coverage.
• Licensees plan protest at Enterprise and Punch HQs.
