Pubco inquiry chairman "disappointed" with Fair Pint

MP Peter Luff, chairman of the Business and Enterprise committee, says he is "disappointed" Fair Pint changed its mind about its position on the tie during the course of the pubco power inquiry.

He also warned the pubcos about "sticking their head in the sand" about the issues around the model.

Luff told The Publican​ that Fair Pint originally said it wanted an end to the tie for pubcos with more than 500 pubs - but then decided, through the course of the inquiry, it wanted an outright end to the tie.

"It was disappointing that Fair Pint changed its evidence from saying they wanted a cap, to saying there should no cap," he said.

"They were clearly divided and did not speak with one voice."

However Luff, Tory MP for Mid Worcestershire, added: "We would probably have reached the same conclusion anyway."

Luff said the committee was unable to reach a decision on whether the tie should be abolished altogether, as the inquiry was based on "limited evidence".

He said it had been recommended to the Competition Commission because "much more powers and resources were needed to look at the issue".

Responding to Enterprise Inns' reaction to the report saying there was "no grounds" for a referral, Luff said: "They would say that, wouldn't they."

He added a general point about the pubcos, saying: "If they want to stick their head in the sand, they are making the same mistake they did five years ago with the TISC inquiry.

"If they had behaved more responsibly, we would not be here today."

Luff added "the ball was now firmly in the government's court", which has two months to respond to the committee before the parliamentary summer recess.