Punch polls partners over code of practice

Punch Taverns is inviting all 6,318 of its lessees to comment on its soon-to-be-published code of practice.

The document has been accredited "in principle" by the BII, six weeks before the end of June deadline, but the UK's largest pubco now wants to hear what its lessees - together with others in the industry - think of it.

In a statement published on the company's website Punch said it was finalising its new code "as part of our Pathway to Partnership business change programme and our commitment to become the best value and most trusted leased pub company in the UK".

The pubco claimed its code would "exceed the standards set out in the BBPA framework code of practice".

Punch said its 'Partnerships Code of Practice' "will make clear the service and standards our partners should expect in deciding whether to take on a pub with Punch, and, should they proceed, doing business with Punch thereafter.

"The code clearly sets out the promises we make to our partners and exactly how we will deliver them. It will become the way we do business going forward and we are committed to making it live in our everyday actions and behaviours."

Punch said before it goes to print, it would like to get feedback and input "from our partners and other colleagues within the industry".

Its code of practice would be posted on its website for two weeks, Punch said, while feedback could be sent to copfeedback@punchtaverns.com.

All feedback wouild be reviewed, the pubco said, with any key elements arising from the comments being incorporated into the code. The final document wouild be printed by the end of June.

"Unfortunately, we may not be able to respond directly to all feedback, but we will take into account your comments and thoughts to ensure that the Code is as robust as possible," Punch concluded.