Fair Pint pub plans community buy-out
A Fair Pint founding member is hoping to buy the freehold of his pub via a community buy-out.
Mark Dodds leases the Sun & Doves in Camberwell, which is owned by Royal Bank of Scotland and operated by Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company (S&NPC).
He hopes to sell 1,000 shares at £500 each to help raise further funds to buy the freehold, refurbish the pub and add a 15-bedroom hotel.
In the past year Dodds has had bids of £750,000 and £850,000 for the freehold turned down.
"It is actually something I thought of doing when I took over the Sun and Doves in 1995 but the advice I got then was that people would think I was a mad communist," he said.
"It's in its early stages but we have had quite a bit of interest.
"I am always getting asked if I know of a good place to stay in Camberwell so I know there is an untapped market for accommodation.
Investor options
Dodds is mulling over two options for investors — the first would see investors repaid an interest rate 1% above that on offer from building societies.
The second would see investors join an exclusive club and be invited to several high profile events throughout the year at the Sun & Doves such as wine tastings.
Under the second option investors would be able to get their money back after two years or sell their share on to an existing shareholder.
"I still have many details to work out," said Dodds, who is to seek advice from Jay Smith who starred in UKTV Blighty series Save our Boozer, which saw five communities buy their pubs (Communities will back pubs in hard times).
Dodds has been involved in a spat with S&NPC over a proposed rent increase at the pub dating back to September 2005 and recently received a bill for backdated rent of £63,000.
"I would imagine any buy-out would see this either written off or included in the price of the pub," he said.
