Pubco inquiry follow-up kicks-off today

MPs will this morning hear evidence from trade leaders, licensees, campaigners and a pub rent expert as part of the re-opened parliamentary inquiry into pubcos.

Tory MP Peter Luff will chair the Business, Innovation and Skills committee panel, which has changed its name from the Business and Enterprise committe (BEC), since the original inquiry a year ago.

First-up, at 10.30am, will be David Rusholme, a director at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), whose members help decide how pub rents are set.

At around 11.15am, British Beer & Pub Association chief executive, Brigid Simmonds, and Marston's boss, Alistair Darby, are expected to explain what pub companies have done to address concerns raised in last May's BEC report.

The final session, due to start at noon, will see four members of the newly-formed Independent Pub Confederation having their say.

IPC secretary, Kate Nicholls, Fair Pint's Karl Harrsion and Simon Clarke, and licensee Gary Mallen will make up the panel.

Clarke, licensee of the Eagle Ale House, in Battersea, South London, and a qualified chartered surveyor, previously gave evidence to the BEC committee.

Nicholls is also experienced in speaking in front of MPs.

More likley to raise interest are the straight-talking, scourge of the pubcos, Harrison, and Mallen, a multi-operator with sites across London.

To follow proceedings click here: www.parliamentlive.tv​

Or visit the publican.com later for updates.