FSB to urge MPs to break the beer tie

The largest trade body for small businesses is to write to every would be MP before the next general election urging them to back action against the beer tie.

That was revealed by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) head of policy Andrew Cave at the launch of the manifesto for the newly formed Independent Pub Confederation (IPC).

The FSB, which counts 4,600 licensees among its 215,000 members wants the beer tie referred to the Competition Commission over concerns that tenants get a bad deal.

Cave said: "We can't guarantee that it will turn to action after the election but we can keep the issue alive."

He said non-licensee members were also passionate about the issue and added: "We will be throwing all efforts and resources behind the IPC movement."

IPC member Nick Bish said the group could be "nearly there" in its move to get the best deal for tenants but he urged the IPC "not to take its foot off the accelerator".

He said there is "respect for the arguments and political pressure plus concern rising from the city".

He said: "That squeeze could produce results."

The BBPA'S new code of practice for the pubcos also came under fire during the Westminster hearing. Greg Mulholland, chair of the Save the Pub Group, called it "window dressing".

"We need real change and real reform," he said.

Simon Clarke, Enterprise lessee at the Eagle in Battersea, slated the status quo saying the bad guys "stay rich and the good guys stay scared".

He said the code covers a multitude of previous sins and is "lipstick on a monster".