BBPA: competition probe "would not be constructive for industry

The British Beer & Pub Association has argued that a Competition Commission investigation into the beer tie would "not be constructive for the industry".

A group of MPs have today recommended that the beer tie be investigated by the Competition Commission, following an extensive inquiry into the relationship between pubcos and their licensees.

But Mark Hastings, the BBPA's communications director, told The Publican​: "During an economic downturn the added distraction, time and effort that would have to be put into an inquiry is not something that would be constructive for the industry."

He said that numerous investigations had been carried out into the beer tie and each time the conclusion had been that it was "fit for purpose".

However, if the tie did go to the Competition Commission, the BBPA would "welcome the opportunity to engage fully in such a process", Hastings added.

"We are confident such a dispassionate and exacting investigation would find the tie to be a robust and sustainable business model," he said.

"The tie is a flexible model that has adapted and changed over many years and continues to change in the current environment.

"The tie has successfully supported pubs through the Great Depression and two World Wars.

"It is ideally suited to do the same during the extremely difficult economic conditions of today. Where improvements need to be made they will be made, because our interests are inextricably linked with the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the great British pub."