Minister discusses pubco power with campaign group

Justice for Licensees (JFL) and trade union Unite have met with a minister in Lord Mandelson's office to discuss the MP-led report into pubco power.

Inez Ward, of JFL, and Jennie Formby, Unite national officer for the hospitality industry, met with Kevin Brennan, a minister in the Department for Business earlier this week.

Department for Business chief Lord Mandelson must eventually decide whether to refer the hard-hitting Business and Enterprise Committee (BEC) report into pubco power to the competition authorities.

Ward said: "It was a very positive meeting. We discussed the BEC report and told him our view that this really has to go to the Competition Commission.

"There have been far too many questions raised and the BEC report, whether you like it or not, was spot on.

"He took on board what we had to say and we will have to wait and see what happens from here."

She added: "There are 52 pubs a week closing and it has got to the point where it is just ridiculous. The whole world is watching as they disappear in front of our eye."

The industry has been given until October to come up with a new plan of action to address some of the issues raised in the report before Mandelson decides whether or not to refer it.

Ward is currently living in B&B accommodation after being evicted from her pub Mavericks in Newquay by landlord Enterprise Inns after failing to pay bills.