Licensees to call for pubco action
Frustrated licensees are to present an open letter calling for a fairer deal on rents and beer prices to the bosses of Britain's two biggest pubcos.
The "Call for Action" letter will be presented to Enterprise chief operating officer Simon Townsend and Punch chief executive Giles Thorley at Monday's protest march, led by members of Justcie for Licensees and Fair Pint.
Over 100 licensees are expected to attend the peaceful protest outside the HQs of Enterprise and Punch to voice their concerns over rents and beer prices.
"Tenants around the country are suffering because of the unfair way that Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns run their business," said protest organiser Inez Ward, Enterprise lessee at Mavericks in Newquay, Cornwall.
"For many of them the glass really is empty and they will be forced to close their doors if nothing is done to help them.
"Simon Townsend's comments this week that tenants should take up their concerns with their regional managers demonstrate just how out of touch the pubcos really are. We are more than disappointed with the deafening silence from our pubcos and that's why we're here."
She added: "Tenants would much rather be in their pubs trying to ensure their business survives, but after being ignored by pubcos' regional managers, who are supposed to have the responsibility to listen to their tenants, this protest is the only opportunity to ensure that our voices are heard.
"Our letter 'calls for action' from Punch and Enterprise but most of all we want to be heard not ignored."
Punch has said it will invite any of its lessees in for a "coffee and a chat" but Enterprise said it did not believe it was the correct way in which to conduct a business relationship.
The protesters are expected to arrive at Enterprise HQ in Solihull at round 11am before moving to Punch HQ in Burton-upon-Trent at 130pm.
• Licensees plan protest at Enterprise and Punch HQs.
