Punch to push charter
Punch Taverns is taking steps to ensure all its staff adhere to the terms of its updated retail charter.
The pubco's charter is one of four codes of practice to be independently reviewed and rubber stamped by BII Benchmarking and Accreditation Services (BIIBAS).
Punch says it is essential its employees understand the charter just as well as the licensees running its pubs.
The Retailer Charter isn't just a glossy brochure, it's the way do business detailed in a comprehensive but clear document.Head of communications Nicola Highton.
Head of communications Nicola Highton said: "We have had a code of practice - our Retailer Charter - in place since 2003, but all the content has been refreshed to ensure BIIBAS approval.
"We are extremely proud to reach this standard and hope it will give users that extra degree of confidence and security when referring to the Charter.
"However, the concept only really works when everyone in the organisation, retailers and employees alike, embraces it and abides by the contents. We are running several events in April to bring the Charter to life and will revisit them on a regular basis to keep the momentum going."
Punch is holding quizzes for its retailer support teams and BRMs, putting up information posters around head office and posting key messages in its weekly news bulletins and online.
New starters will learn all about the Charter during their induction, while Charter awareness and knowledge throughout the business will be measured on a regular basis.
Charters will also be made available to potential licensees considering taking on a Punch pub and can be downloaded from the company's website.
Highton said: "The Retailer Charter isn't just a glossy brochure, it's the way we do business detailed in a comprehensive but clear document. It helps retailers get the most from their relationship with Punch and shows the firm commitment we have to uphold the promises we make."
Richard Pearson, BII chairman, added: "Many feel that the future of the industry would be better protected if both parties in lease and tenancy agreements were to have a clear understanding of the business relationships involved.
"To that end BII, the professional body for the licensed retail sector, has developed a scheme by which the clarity of pub company codes of practice for prospective and current leaseholders or tenants may be independently benchmarked."
