Fair Pint pushes for free-of-tie lease option
Anti-beer tie lobby group Fair Pint has written an open letter to BII chief Neil Robertson urging a free-of-tie option, combined with an open market rent review, to be incorporated into the new pubco codes of practice.
The letter, from Fair Pint's Steve Corbett and Simon Clarke, says the benefits of free-of-tie pricing in new pubco agreements are negated by the fact there is no open market rent review.
The letter stated: "It is clear that some pub companies are offering 'free of tie deals' under the 'veil' of compliance with the [Business, Innovation & Skills Committee] recommendations, but in all of these instances there is equal increase in rent which negates any financial benefit there may be through the supply agreement's relaxation.
"The BII will have considered numerous complaints and acted where possible to find a resolution but found that some worrying treatment of tenants was evident and the codes do not cover these issues, such as tenant profitability or pubcos' abuse of their dominant position.
"You will no doubt be the first to confirm that it is not the BII's position to dictate the contents of the codes but given that mistreatment is still evident it should be within your power to recommend code revisions or at the very least indicate your support for specific individual additional code requirements.
"A free of tie option with an open market rent review would seek to level the playing field of power between the landlord and tenant leaving an individual publican in a position to self police their relationship with their pubco or brewer."
Robertson said: "We will reply to the Fair Pint letter as soon as we are able."
The letter was also sent to MPs, trade bodies, and the national media.
