Pubs Direct on defensive after 'rip-off' complaints
Would-be licensees have slammed a York-based company for failing to give them a route into the pub market.
Pubs Direct, of Piccadilly, York, has been accused of breaking an agreement with potential licensees to find them a pub at the end of a structured training programme.
The Publican has received a number of complaints from people who claim they haven't been found pubs, despite handing over thousands of pounds.
John Veitch from Beckenham, Kent, said: "I paid £7,000 to get our certificates and a few days work behind the bar. I believe we have been ripped off. Pubs Direct promised the money would be used to put me into a pub."
Ken Shipley, licensee of the Coach and Horses in Welwick, Yorkshire, also gave Pubs Direct £7,000 and is taking the company to court.
"It wants stopping in my opinion. I told it I wanted a country pub from day one and I had to accept a pub in Nottingham on a rough housing estate. I am disgusted by the whole set-up. The training was excellent but the company is not fulfilling its contract."
Robert Holly, director of Pubs Direct, refuted the claims. "With each individual or couple we take on we honour our agreement to the best of our ability. We do not guarantee people the ideal pub. We explain to everyone that we will source pubs close to their needs."
The company's contract provides training for the National Certificate for Licensees, as well as other courses such as food hygiene.
Potential licensees attend a two-week residential course where they receive training in cellar management, administration and running a bar. Pub Direct's placement team promises to "provide a service" for trainees to take a "public house on freehold, lease or tenancy at will".
It will provide the person with a selection of "what is deemed suitable" pubs for approval, supplied by national pub operators.
"We do explain it's a low level investment," Mr Holly said. "Sometimes people's expectations are too high."
"We have had some complaints from people who want their money back for misrepresentation.
"We have provided a service to these people and they were made fully aware of the terms before they signed the agreement.
"You can't misrepresent what is in black and white."
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said: "It worries me that people are investing money and there is no future for them.
"My advice to anybody is to ask companies to send you a full list of all the pubs they offer and check the details. Any prospective licensees should not be paying money up front."
Contact us
Have you had similar experiences with other companies? If so, contact Michelle Perrett at The Publican on 020 8565 3053 or email zvpuryyrc@gurchoyvpna.pbz .
