Hundreds to protest at pubcos

26 January, 2009

Hundreds of licensees are expected to protest at the headquarters of Punch Taverns and Enterprise Inns about the problems posed by the beer tie today.

The protest will be lead by Enterprise lessee and founder of Justice for Licensees, Inez Ward.

She said: “Tenants around the country are suffering because of the unfair way that Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns run their business.

"For many of them the glass really is empty and they will be forced to close their doors if nothing is done to help them,” she said.

Inez plans to present an open letter to Simon Townsend of Enterprise Inns and to Giles Thorley of Punch Taverns outlining how the beer tie is failing pubs and forcing many licensees to close their doors.

She said: "Tenants would much rather be in their pubs trying to ensure their business survives, but after being ignored by pubcos’ regional managers, who are supposed to have the responsibility to listen to their tenants, this protest is the only opportunity to ensure that our voices are heard. Our letter calls for action from Punch and Enterprise but most of all we want to be heard not ignored."

The protest will take place at Enterprise Inns in Solihull between 11-11.30am and Punch Taverns in Burton-upon-Trent at 1.30pm.