Licensees accuse newpapers of 'profiteering'

Licensees have accused some local newspapers of over-charging them to advertise their licence variations. ​ Under the new Licensing Act, licensees must place a notice in their local paper detailing any plans they have to vary their opening hours.

But a number of licensees have contacted The Publican claiming that some publications are taking advantage of the situation.

Ian Fox, licensee at the Royal Oak in Newark, Nottinghamshire, claimed that he was told by his local paper, the Newark Advertiser, that there was a minimum font size for variation notices.

Mr Fox said: "The result of such action by certain publications is that any licensed outlet in this area must pay up to 2.5 times more than an outlet 20 miles away, which is covered by a local publication that does not refuse adverts at a smaller and considerably cheaper size.

"This is doing nothing short of profiteering at the expense of the licensee."

In Brighton, Steve Burtenshaw, licensee at the Wellington, claimed he was quoted £750 by The Argus to advertise his plan for extended hours.

He has since discovered that the only other publication offering the service was the free monthly magazine Brighton and Hove City News - which he claimed is charging £250.

"It's really outrageous that Brighton has one of the largest number of licensed premises in the country and The Argus is making licensees pay such a high fee," said Steve, who plans to open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays and until 12 from Sunday to Thursday.

Another Brighton licensee, Bev Robbins, claimed he had been quoted £510 plus VAT by The Argus to advertise his plans for extended hours.

However, local newspapers have disputed the claims. Geoffrey Manners, advertisement director for the Newark Advertiser, refused to comment on the situation or confirm the rate his newspaper was charging licensees.

But The Argus said that it was charging licensees an average of only £280 plus VAT.

Martyn Willis, managing director of Newsquest Sussex, which owns the paper, said that it had, in fact, been offering a discount to licensees.

Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, said that other licensees had contacted him complaining about the cost of advertising in their local paper.

"My advice would be to shop around to get the cheapest deal in your area," said Mr Payne. "Often it is cheaper to go to a free newspaper. Just make sure that it is distributed in your area."