Pub trade split on new trade body

BII boss Neil Robertson has spoken against plans for a new pubco-funded trade group to represent tenants, which this week received backing from Punch chief Giles Thorley.

Enterprise Inns boss Ted Tuppen said his company would pay £100,000 to fund a new group, which aims to redress the balance of power between pubcos and tenants. He said tenanted operators could pay a levy based on sizes of estates.

Robertson welcomed his approach, but said: "We think there are too many bodies already, what we need is simplicity. Another group isn't something we'd recommend.

"We don't think [the funding level proposed] is a lot of money to run a service. That's not to say it's a derisory offer, but support schemes are expensive. Our members spend £100 to join, but we spend £150 to £160 per member on support."

Robertson said the BII is eyeing plans to extend its services, but would not be drawn further at this stage.

Thorley said: "I'm absolutely for it. Licensees need a more effective trade body. We've always encouraged and helped pay for our licensees to join the FLVA — and this idea is something we've been working towards."

He said hosts must join the group, "something they have-n't always done", and insisted it should be clear that any donation was "not about trying to influence the group".

Tuppen agreed: "To suggest we're offering to help with funding just so we can buy influence is a very disingenuous comment. My offer is entirely without strings."

FLVA chief Tony Payne has ruled out leading a new group, but will help if one is formed.

The Guild of Master Victuallers favours an independent national body.

It is also known that one of Fair Pint's long-term aims is to create a representative body for tenants, with regional chairmen in place.

One possible head of that organisation is chartered surveyor and rent review expert David Morgan.