Robinsons offers tapered rent discounts from July
The Stockport-based operator first announced it was cancelling domestic and business rents, then it suspended all direct debts and froze repayments of loans and interest charges.
It went on to outline rents would be cancelled until pubs reopen and confirmed it would replace all draught beer and cider, which goes out of date during the crisis, with fresh stock.
For July, Robinsons licensees will be offered a discount of up to 90%, August will be up to two thirds (60%) and 30% discount for September and October with publicans who did not receive a Government grant paying less than those who did receive one.
Safe reopening
Pubs division managing director William Robinson said: “We are all eagerly awaiting the Covid-safe guidance from Government to provide us with detailed information regarding safe reopening of pubs.
“As we wait, so we are planning for the next wave of support for pubs here at Robinsons Brewery. The past 12 weeks have tested us all, but our extended pub family has risen to the challenge and kept us, as well as each other going with help, motivation, advice and even central heating repairs.
“To assist pub emergence, we have announced our latest support in terms of rent payments. I wrote to all our licensees this week outlining the next phase of our pub support, which included details of further rent reductions.
“This brings our planned rent support to more than £3m, which is an average of around £12,500 per pub since this started.
“On the 16 March, we cancelled all pub rents, with them recommencing in steps from 4 July. The plan to support our licensees through the next few months includes a discount of up to 90% for July, up to 60% for August, and 30% for September and October, with those who did not receive a Government grant paying less than those who did receive one.
“Over the July to October period this therefore amounts to a further discount of at least 60%, increasing to 63% for the pubs that did not receive a grant.”
Operational planning
Robinson highlighted how the business will also postpone repayments and that it is beginning to brew beer again.
He added: “Furthermore, we will delay the reintroduction of loan payments until August and payments into report and decoration funds until January 2021. Of course, this support will be delayed for our 40 pubs in Wales as reopening plans are less clear there.
“Additionally, the business development managers have returned to the business alongside colleagues from other support departments meaning we can support and advise our licensees with their operational planning and customer communications.
“In the meantime, we have started brewing our cask and keg beers in preparation for pubs opening on 4 July with plans in place to deliver to them in advance of that date.
“Alongside all of this, our new craft keg beer – Hopnik CITRA IPA – a 4% New World style beer bursting with fresh hops will be launched in July.”
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