Pub loses out in pool prize plan

A Bristol licensee claims he has been mislead by a company offering prizes to customers in a pool competition.

Andy Long, licensee at the Oldbury Court Inn, agreed to run the competition in his pub after being approached in November 2006 by a Swansea-based company called Club Carras.

Cash prizes and the chance to win different types of Ford cars were promised to winners in individual pubs.

But since running a tournament Andy, who paid out £48, has heard nothing from the company and all his attempts to contact them have come to nothing.

Sixteen pool players agreed to take part in the competition held at the Oldbury Court Inn, with each paying £3 each to enter. A first prize of £150 was promised by Club Carras, and £75 for the runner-up.

"We were initially contacted by 'phone by the company, then had quite an official looking letter which explained what the prizes were," said Andy. "But we haven't received anything."

"It's a shame that I have to let my customers down."

The letter, which suggested the competition was being run in association Ford, explained that winners in each pub would play elimination rounds to reach the tournament final. On reaching the final, it was claimed the winner would receive a Ford Mondeo and holiday for two in Greece. The Publican approached Ford about the competition and the fact the company's logo appeared on the letter sent by Club Carras.

A Ford spokesman said: "We are not familiar with this company and we are not familiar with this competition."

The logo on the letter also appears to be out-of-date.

All attempts by The Publican to contact Club Carras have proved fruitless. Its answer phone is full and it has failed to respond to emails. According to Companies House Club Carras, based at 250 Carmarthen Road, Waun Wen, Swansea, was dissolved in February 2006.