BBPA: tie is robust and flexible

The pubcos believe a Competition Commission investigation will prove the tie to be a "robust and sustainable business model".

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), which represents pubcos and brewers, said the tie is a flexible model and would evolve.

"If Government decides to act on the select committee's recommendation and seek Competition Commission investigation into the costs and benefits of the tie, we would welcome the opportunity to engage fully in such a process," said BBPA director of communications Mark Hastings.

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

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

"That is a continuing and ongoing process which is testament to the benefits of the tied model.

"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."

Hastings added: "As the report explicitly states there are many and varied pressures, such as regulatory and economic, on the pub at present and only some of those pressures may, or may not be due to the tie.

"It also states that the problems of the pub industry cannot all be attributed to any particular ownership model. It also recognises that any intervention in the market to end the tie could well have unintended and unwelcome consequences.