Crunch trade talks "encouraging

Crunch industry talks between trade bodies, pubcos and campaign groups today in London have been described as "positive" and "encouraging".

The meeting is part of a "mediation" process being co-ordinated by the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers in an attempt to persuade BEC MPs to give the trade six months to sort out issues over the pubco model.

Another meeting has been planned for July 9.

Among those there today were Punch Taverns chief Giles Thorley and representatives from campaign groups Fair Pint and Justice for Licensees.

Barrister Jeremy Phillips, who chaired the meeting, held at his offices the Francis Taylor Building in the Inner Temple, said: "This has been an encouraging initial meeting which addressed many historic problems in a constructive manner.

"Everybody present recognised the difficulties that we face, but saw the use of mediation as an entirely appropriate way to try to resolve industry issues 'in house'. I am looking forward to the next stage of the process."

Nick Bish, the ALMR's chief executive, said: "I'm very encouraged by what we've been involved with today."

A statement issued about the meeting said the "background" to the issues raised in the hard-hitting BEC report were discussed.

The statement added: "It was agreed that mediation appeared to offer a viable route to bring about change within the industry and those attending committed to move to the next stage at a meeting to be held in three weeks time on July 9."

Attending were representatives from: Adnams, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, British Beer & Pub Association, BII, CAMRA, Fair Pint, Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, Federation of Small Businesses, Guild of Master Victuallers, Justice for Licensees, Marstons, Punch Taverns, Society of Independent Brewers, and Unite the Union.

Enterprise Inns was invited to the meeting but declined - and instead intends to submit its own response to the BEC report.