BISC: Bailey questions Prime Minister over pubco deal

Speaking in the House of Commons Bailey said: “Can the Prime Minister tell me is he backing the will of Parliament or the will of pubcos?”.

BISC chairman Adrian Bailey is insisting the Government take action after he won a Parliamentary motion in January calling for the establishment of a panel, approved by BISC, to monitor the self-regulation deal with the British Beer & Pub Association.

Bailey said: “The Government response to the unfair relationship between pub companies and their licensees so far has been self-regulation not statutory regulation. On January 12 of this year this house voted unanimously to set up a review panel to be agreed by the business select committee to review the implementation of self-regulation. To date there has been absolutely no response from the Government.”

Cameron avoided a debate on the issue but promised a response.

He said: “I am a keen supporter of British pubs so I will write to the honourable gentleman and get him a good answer.”

BISC believes the Government has to act as this was a vote with overwhelming support of MPs. However, the Government is not legally bound by the vote. The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills previously said it noted the decision, but confirmed it has no plans to take action.