Punch to investigate its relationship with tenants

Punch Taverns has commissioned a high-profile firm of solicitors to investigate, and produce a report on, its relationship with tenants and lessees.

The move follows the government's announcement that a Trade and Industry Select Committee is to investigate the commercial agreements between pub companies and licensees.

Punch has hired Maitland Walker, a firm that in recent years has specialised in bringing cases against pub groups on behalf of tenants.

Maitland Walker was involved in last week's landmark case against Inntrepreneur, which found in favour of licensee Bernie Crehan.

An Appeal Court judge ruled that his agreement with Inntrepreneur had been illegal and was the reason why his business went bust.

Punch's customer services director Francis Patton (pictured)​ said: "We are geniunely trying to be as open and as honest as possible.

"This firm has specialist knowledge of the industry, it has been used to fight cases against companies, and most importantly has no interest in just giving our side of the story."

Mr Patton said that the Inntrepreneur case "was then and that this was now" and agreements had changed immeasurably.

He added: "We believe that the long-term stability of this business is entirely dependent on the relationship between us and licensees. Without them we do not have a business."

The Trade and Industry Select Committee has asked for written submissions and will report back its findings in July.

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Related articles:​

Crehan wins beer tie case (21 May 2004)

Parliamentary probe into pubco-tenant relationship (7 May 2004)