Fuller's: free-of-tie option could decimate pub trade

A free-of-tie option for all tenanted pubs would "decimate" the pub industry — that's the

stark warning from the head of the London brewer and operator Fuller's.

Managing director Simon Emeny, pictured right, said although he always understood

the Business, Innovation & Skills Committee would reconvene to review progress, the process remains a "sapping" one and takes focus away from getting more people into pubs. "The industry would be decimated," he said.

"The whole relationship between tenant and landlord would change beyond all recognition.

"We should not underestimate the mutual interest, especially with regional brewers,

in keeping tenants in business.

"That interest is just not there with free-of-tie pubcos — they are very hands-off and that is when you get real hard-nosed business decisions.

"People have got to be careful about what they wish for," he warned.

Emeny went on to say: "The tie means you share in the ups and downs and the landlord has an incentive to keep the tenant in business.

"Without the beer tie, business failures would be much higher, there is no doubt about

that at all."