Disgruntled licensees plan pubco protest

More than 100 licensees are expected to descend on the offices of the country's leading pubcos in a protest at what they believe is unfair treatment.

Campaign group Justice for Licensees has organised the march that will take place on January 26.

Scores of licensees have said they will go on the march and then protest peacefully outside the headquarters of both Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns.

Enterprise Inns licensee Inez Ward, who runs Newquay pub Mavericks, is organising the event.

She said: "It is just ridiculous the number of phone calls I get from licensees who are facing problems. It is the same story over and over again but the pubcos are not listening."

She added that Enterprise Inns chief Ted Tuppen and Giles Thorley, chief executive of Punch Taverns, would both be invited to put their views to licensees at the protest.

"We to do things fairly and let them have their say," said Inez. "We are upstanding members of the community and this will be a peaceful protest."

Members of Justice for Licensees believe pubcos are refusing to acknowledge problems they face particularly with rent and the beer tie.

Those who wish to take part in the march should meet at Hopwood Services on junction 2 on the M42 at 10am on January 26.

They will then head to Enterprise Inns headquarters in Solihull before moving on to Punch Taverns in Burton-upon-Trent.

For information on how to get involved email info@justiceforlicensees.org or visit www.justiceforlicensees.org.uk​