LETTERs

LTC is not going anywhere

Further to the story reported on 8 February (MA, LTC Trust Wound Up After 26 Years), I want to reassure all readers and supporters that it is not our actual organisation, The Licensed Trade Charity, that is being wound up.

I also wish to clarify the confusion caused by the incorrect use of our logo alongside the article.

This year, we expect to provide advice and assistance to a record number of people. The increased awareness of the organisation among the industry and support agencies, along with the difficulties many people have endured during the last year or so, has increased demand for our support. This assistance is given to members and non-members alike. This year, we anticipate providing support to our beneficiaries to the value of £1million.

Events such as the MA's Best Pub Awards and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers Christmas Luncheon, which raised £5,200 and £36,698.50 respectively, help towards funds - but we still have a long way to go!

We continue to count on the help and generosity of everybody in this industry - from the bar to the boardroom - to help us carry out this support.

The LTC, formed by the merger of two charities

- the Society of Licensed Victuallers and the Licensed Victuallers National Homes - was launched in 2004, thanks partly to the Licensed Trade Charities Trust, which assisted us with the process.

We are grateful that the Trust will donate a share of its closing assets, helping us to continue our work.

With the ongoing support of the industry, we intend to be around for a long time yet as the charity for people in the licensed drinks trade.

Colin Wheeler

Chief Executive, LTC

Ascot, Berks

Beware a certain cynical pubco

In our experience there is only one pubco currently inflicting on its lessees such a pernicious schedule of dilapidations as that described by Mrs X (MA, Beyond The Pale 1 Feb).

Having bought several thousand pubs in a so-so condition, it appears to us that they have now set about completely restoring those properties at the expense of their current crop of lessees, who have been shackled to a "put and keep" lease. It may not be unlawful, but it is certainly brutal and distasteful.

The pubco will, of course, claim that they make these things perfectly clear in their codes of practice and that prospective lessees should take appropriate advice before they take over the premises (as if this somehow excuses the pubco of any guilt).

So here is some (free) advice for your readers, which could perhaps be offered by all licensed trade professionals - do not take on a lease with that pubco.

Denis Frost

Winter Hill Accountancy

Bolton, Lancs

Hands up, who's got a good BDM?

At a recent meeting of our local Hull LVA, the question was asked, "how many think their BDMs have helped them improve their business?"

Only two out of more than 30 licensees said they thought they had a good relationship with their BDMs, and those two were both owners of multiple pubs, who had the ability to negotiate discounts, etc, unlike the rest of us.

I wonder how many other licensees are scared to voice their opinions to so-called helpful BDMs, who swan around in BMWs checking who's buying out and who's doing well so they can plan their next rent increase.

I would be interested to see how many other licensees are happy with their treatment by BDMs.

Perhaps you could run a poll on this subject,

Name and address supplied

No help given for ban costs

I am contemplating withholding my next two VAT returns to subsidise the anticipated cost of erecting a smoke shelter.

Obviously, I am aware of the legal issue, but I wonder if other pubs would be willing to do the same.

This is a compulsory smoking ban enforcement, yet no one's considered small community pubs who have to fork out to police the ban correctly.

I think the ban will affect my type of pub more than city-centre ones, but we have been offered no help.

I have phoned various companies for estimates and prices have ranged from £6000 to £16,000.

Colin Coombs

ClnCoom@aol.com

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