Controversial pub tenant campaigner Inez Ward is to help the BII devise a course to prepare newcomers for life as a tied tenant.
The BII is hoping the course will form part of pubco's mandatory training for potential lessees to undertake before they take on a pub. It will be an add-on module to its current three day course — Introduction to Licensed Retail.
Ward, who had a series of infamous bust-ups with Enterprise over her time at Mavericks in Newquay, Cornwall and organised the pubco protest march, is to sit on the steering group to decide the content of the course, which is due to go live in early 2010.
"The focus will be on business related aspects of taking on a lease," said BII chief executive Neil Robertson. "It is something that has been suggested in all quarters and all the evidence suggests we need it."
The final make-up of the steering group for the course has yet to be decided but it will also include pubco representatives. The course will also draw on a guide produced by the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations.
"Inez has clear views and I think they will be very useful," said Robertson. "Everybody agrees we need to prepare newcomers properly for taking on a leased pub. Personally I am very excited about addressing these issues."
Roberston added that he would be "very keen" for pubcos to make the course compulsory for all newcomers.
Ward, who runs the Justice for Licensees campaign, said she was "over the moon" about being asked to take part. "If its is for the good of the trade I love, then I am more than happy to contribute. I hope it stops the current debacle from re-occurring."
On the issue of working with pubcos to devise the course, she added: "I have always said I am more than happy to work with anyone for the good of the trade.
"Equally, I would work against anyone if it was in the best interests of the trade."