On the road

The first thing that strikes you after shuffling onto the bus organised by anti-pubco campaigners is that they have prepared for a long, hard day ahead.

A mound of sandwiches is stacked at the front along with boxes of drinks - enough supplies for a small army. But that is where comparisons between the busload of disgruntled licensees and militancy end according to Nicky Francey, from the Sun and Doves in Camberwell. "This is a legitimate protest and it is not violent. It is a chance for us to be seen and heard," she says.

The group of about 20 licensees and supporters have been rallied by Fair Pint members Steve Corbett and Mark Dodd for the much anticipated protest at Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns. Their goal is to see the end of the beer tie. But the mood remains subdued rather than gung-ho as few know how the day will pan out or how many will turn up.

Enterprise Inns

The tension mounts as the headquarters of Enterprise Inns looms into view and it appears they are the only protestors here. However, fears begin to ease as Inez Ward, founder of Justice for Licensees, is spotted clutching two letters destined for pubco chiefs Simon Townsend and Ted Tuppen and flanked by supporters waving placards proclaiming "RIP the great British pub" and "sick and tied."

Numbers soon swell to around 100 and Beverley Cliffe, licensee of the Enterprise Inns owned Three Tuns Pub in Fazeley, Tamworth is at the forefront. "We have been there for seven years and they keep pushing up the rent. To get discounts on beer I had to sign away my tenureship. But the rent still rises," she fumes.

Across the road, seven policemen form a human barrier to the entrance while Steve rushes about chatting to press. "We are not allowed onto the property. They won't accept the letters now but they will later," he assures us. Moments later a ripple of excitement runs through the crowd as Colm Powell, famed for launching a hunger strike in protest at his eviction by Enterprise Inns, appears carrying a coffin with supporters waving the banner "save the dying pub trade".

The protest gains momentum as people gather to march behind Colm chanting "why are we here? Because we can't afford the beer."

Despite the ructions, the building remains silent with little sign of anyone coming to accept the letters. Peter Harper, landlord at the Boot Inn, Grendon, Warwickshire is outraged. "Somebody should at least come out and explain why a barrel of beer costs us £275 while non tied pubs can get it for £140." But after an hour, police confirm that they cannot accept any letters on the company's behalf.

Punch Taverns

Next up is Punch Taverns. As people gather, head of corporate affairs Nigel Turpin strides out of the building to invite licensees for a "chat". A number push forward while others lag behind muttering "PR stunt." But Denise Desmond from the Little Oak in Chester is determined to have her say. "I'm here for one reason only; if I don't get heard, I'll have to close my doors."

The group is promptly led to meet managing director Roger Whiteside. Surrounded by stony looking licensees, he opts for a nice but firm approach. "We know all circumstances have to be looked at. But many pubs have found a way of beating the market. In this climate there are always going to be winners and losers."

Denise remains unimpressed. "We are here for one reason only and that is the beer tie. It is not working and needs to go."

"Our business model doesn't work like that" says Roger.

"Well, you need to change your business model," Denise shoots back.

As the atmosphere becomes more mutinous, the Publican​ is led away from the room with the explanation that it is a private discussion between landlord and tenants.

Later, the atmosphere outside becomes muted. But as Punch representatives refuse to accept the letter in public, an angry licensee kicks it in front of the door. However, this is the final act of rebellion as it becomes clear the protest is over.

As the remainder of the crowd begins to trickle away to mull over events in the nearest pub, Inez says she is optimistic about Punch Tavern's reaction despite widespread rumblings of "slick PR" and "media savvy" strategies. "It is a step in the right direction. But then again only time will tell," she adds.