Enterprise: the "vast majority" of licensees support the tie

Enterprise Inns has welcomed the Office of Fair Trading's (OFT) rejection of CAMRA's super-complaint saying the "vast majority" of its licensees support the beer tie.

A statement from the company said: "We are delighted that having examined the issues raised in the super-complaint by CAMRA, the OFT has concluded that there is no evidence that supply ties are resulting in competition problems or that they contribute to higher prices or prevent pubs offering a wide choice to consumers."

Enterprise pointed out the tie had been reviewed 25 times since 1966, 21 in the UK and four in the EU and on every occasion was found to be "fit for purpose".

The statement added: "The vast majority of our hard-working licensees support the tie and continue to trade well and recognize that we are actively helping them to protect and grow their businesses in these challenging times."

Meanwhile, Marston's argued the issues faced by tenants and lessees "are related to the performance of the economy as a whole".

Chief executive Ralph Findlay said: "Over many years supply ties have provided opportunity to enter the pub industry without having to commit significant capital.

"We have consistently argued that many of the very real issues faced by some tenants and lessees are related to the performance of the economy as a whole."

He added: "As a consequence, we have introduced, and continue to develop, a wide and comprehensive range of measures to support licensees.

"We intend to continue to work closely with licensees and to implement revisions to our code of practice in accordance with an agreement reached between certain industry bodies including the British Beer & Pub Association and the BII."

A statement from Punch Taverns said: "In these challenging economic times Punch continues to work hard to assist its partners and to increase transparency across its business.

"We welcome the OFT decision and sincerely hope that all industry bodies can work together to protect the future of the British pub which is in all of our interests."