Guild of Master Victuallers renews calls for FLVA to join its ranks

21-May-2012 - Last updated on 22-May-2012 at 08:32 GMT

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The Guild of Master Victuallers (GMV) has renewed calls for the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations (FLVA) to consider joining it to create a united body that represents licensees.

Speaking at its annual conference, GMV member and chairman of the Independent Pub Confederation (IPC), Bill Sharp, said it was “ridiculous” the bodies still operated separately and urged the FLVA to “make that final step”.

It was reported last May that the FLVA could be set to join the IPC, but this was later denied by FLVA president Nigel Williams.

The FLVA represents licensees in the north of the country, while the GMV, itself a member of the IPC, is made up of publicans across southern parts of the UK.

Sharp said: “Sadly, the FLVA is still in alliance with the BII (British Institute
of Innkeeping) and the British Beer & Pub Association. This is just ridiculous. We are never going to get anywhere until we are united and I hope 2013 will see the FLVA join with the guild.

“I hope the FLVA will look at the thing, realise we haven’t moved that further forward because of the misnomer of the Government thinking that all is well, when it is not.

“I hope they hear our message that we want them to join us. It is not a case of anybody having to save face, we need to show to anyone we are talking to that we are one body.”

Williams told the PMA he did not wish to comment.