Batemans slams beer-flow kit
Batemans has labelled beer-flow monitoring equipment a "policeman in the cellar" that damages landlord/tenant relationships.
It came in the Lincolnshire brewer's updated lease code of practice, the first to be re-accredited by the BIIBAS for clarity.
It says: "On the whole, we do not believe in the benefits offered by flow-metering equipment as, rightly or wrongly, we perceive it as a 'policeman in the cellar', which we do not see as being conducive to a healthy and profitable partnership between us and the tenant."
Batemans would discuss installation "should the tenant perceive that there are benefits".
Company chairman Stuart Bateman told the Morning Advertiser: "We are supposed to be offering a trusted partnership. We don't see the tenant having the right to put a camera in to see if we are sticking to our side of the bargain."
The 37-page document details obligations for the company and tenant across several areas.
It says rent cannot increase by more than RPI if the tenant meets obligations.
Calculations are also explained. Rent is generally 50% of the fair maintainable trade, depending on pub type, location and facilities.
Prospective tenants are shown, in writing, assumptions used to calculate rents, highlighting which parts are actual and which have been assessed, and why.
A forecast of annual wet rent is also offered. Bateman said: "If you ask a tenant how much their rent is , they will know. If you ask a tenant how much their wet rent is they have no idea. I think that's completely wrong."
It says Batemans will pay insurance and it won't be recharged to the tenant. "Any insurance excesses are our responsibility."
The tenant takes 100% of the net income of gaming machines, with a contribution taken from the rent to pay for the services of a machine management company.
Bateman said the process of getting accreditation took about six weeks, with the company asked to amend specific sections on a couple of occasions.
"It was very constructive. I think we were more under the microscope than anybody because we were the first. The BII had to make sure every 'i' was dotted and every 't' crossed."
Pubcos have until 30 June to have their new codes re-accredited with BIIBAS, factoring in the framework code from the British Beer & Pub Association.
The deadline has taken on extra significance after Labour and the Conservatives vowed to monitor progress over the 12 months after 30 June.
BIIBAS has now allocated dates in June for pubcos to present updated codes to the benchmarking committee.
BIIBAS secretary Steve Howe said: "We have had a number of fruitful meetings in the past few weeks. We look forward to meeting more companies in the coming couple of months."
