The war of words over an Enterprise pub in Otley between MP Greg Mulholland and Ted Tuppen sees no signs of abating, despite a promised refurbishment.
The Black Horse Hotel in Otley, West Yorkshire, was taken over by Barrack Inns last year and was converted into an Irish bar called O'Malleys — a move described as "an act of desperation" by Mulholland.
Now the pub is slated for a major refurbishment by Barrack Inns — with the Irish theme being dropped.
But Mulholland has now voiced concerns over the size of the rent and drinks discounts being offered at the pub allowing it to undercut other Enterprise pubs in the area.
Anger
In a letter to Tuppen, Mulholland said: "According to Mr Mallows (former manager) and other licensees in Otley, the reason that the Black Horse has been able to charge low prices and undercut the tenanted pubs in the town, is because of the discounted prices/rent you have been giving to Barrack Inns, compared to what you charge other, individual lessees — including the one remaining Enterprise Inn pub run by a long term tenant.
"I have spoken to them and other Enterprise tenants in the wider area and they are angry that you are giving such favourable terms to Barrack Inns which is basically undercutting them and making it even more difficult for them to compete.
"That speaks volumes not only about Enterprise Inns loyalty to long serving tenants who have struggled on paying inflated Enterprise list prices and rent but also about the basis of your business model."
The Lib Dem challenged Enterprise to publish details of the agreement.
Sell-off
The refurbishment, due to start on 23 January, has been welcomed by Mulholland but he remains convinced that Enterprise should sell-off the freehold.
"The people of Otley are sick and tired and Enterprise pubs closing and re-opening and in the short term we hope that finally we may see some investment in this fine old coaching inn, but in the long term I hope that all Enterprise pubs end up in the hands of other people — individuals, small breweries or companies — who will properly respect these historic pubs and run them well to the benefit of the local community."
Enterprise Inns said it did not wish to comment.