MP slams BBPA over pub code debate refusal
A pro-pub tenant MP has slammed the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) for turning down an invitation to debate its new industry code of practice in public.
The BBPA gave a presentation of its new Framework Code of Practice on the Granting and Renewing of Leases to MPs in the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group last night at a closed session (Pubcos set out 'fundamental reform' plans).
Beer Group member Greg Mulholland, also chair of the Save the Pub Group, challenged the BBPA to a public debate with the newly formed Independent pub Confederation (IPC) at the next Save the Pub Group meeting.
"It was disappointing that the BBPA won't come before MPs and actually debate with the IPC how best the industry can move forward," said Mulholland, who also bemoaned the fact that the full code was yet to be published.
"The Save the Pub Group is asking both sides to come in front of MPs and actually debate this issue. Mediation failed but at least it got all parties in the same room.
"The BBPA has said they won't debate this vitally important issue but I hope when they consider how that will look to pub goers and licensees everywhere, as well as to MPs, they will reconsider this.
"If they don't, it will give the strong impression that the industry will move forward without them and that will worry their members who may choose to follow Greene King's example and go it alone."
However, BBPA director of communications Mark Hastings said: "We have laid out the headlines of the code in public in the Morning Advertiser and on a number of other occasions.
"John Grogan [Beer Group chairman] decided on the format of last night's meeting. We presented the code to the Beer Group, of which Greg Mulholland is a member, and he was able to ask questions on the code — and he did.
"We will be presenting in a public forum when the Business and Enterprise Committee meets again in early December, when the code will be open to the scrutiny of MPs."
The BBPA answered 14 questions on its new code in the Morning Advertiser (BBPA pub code: offering greater clarity).
