We get attacked on all sides over the tie

It is not very often that I agree with Stephen Oliver's rantings, however I thought that his attack on Alistair Darling's continued assassination of our industry in last week's My Shout was spot on.

What really concerns me is the total lack of influence that our industry has with this Government. We have been criticised again for not being joined up in our lobbying. The British Beer & Pub Association, which should be at the forefront of this, has failed miserably to garner any favour or influence. The Chancellor's continued adoption of the duty escalator is evidence of that. The BBPA needs a thorough overhaul to serve any purpose going forward.

I also take issue with the position that the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers has taken on the tie. Nick Bish and Tim Sykes are guilty of "running with the hare and the hounds", sending begging letters to all pub companies asking for and receiving substantial donations for various events and then rounding on them with their views on the tie, which is at best disingenuous.

The question of the tie has been raised on a number of fronts. Greene King was disappointed not to be personally asked to attend the recent Bec inquiry. Indeed, our detailed submission provided compelling evidence of why the tie is helpful for both ourselves and the individual licensee.

What other industry provides a £500k+ property to operate for a very low in-going coupled with, in Greene King's case, first class support?

A number of MPs have recently jumped on the bandwagon without sufficient knowledge. The simple fact is that pubs that offer great service, with a value proposition of some type — whether it is food, coffee, soft drinks — are all doing reasonable business, even in today's trading climate. That has nothing to do with the tie whatsoever.

I visit lots of pubs, both Greene King and our competitors, and I still see many businesses that are dirty, with poorly trained staff and no food offer whatsoever.

Those businesses simply will not survive where customers demand value for their cash — again nothing to do with the tie.

At Greene King we have developed the very best induction programme for new licensees joining and our retention rate in year one is over 85%. Prior to prospective hosts joining us, we take them all through every aspect of the agreement, especially regarding the tie, trade prices, rent etc.

If that is not the support you are getting from your pubco then I suggest you give us a call!