Inez Ward: United we stand, divided we fall

There are many aspects that are detrimentally affecting the Great British Pub, from supermarket pricing, to government legislation and red tape, to tax hikes, to recession, to the smoking ban, to pubcos, to lack of unity.

Each and everyone is affecting pubs in one way or another and some more than others, it would be impossible to cover each aspect without it becoming much more than a blog, so for now I'll start with pubcos, no surprise there then!

Not all pubcos are the same, they do not operate the same, there are differences, a simple fact that must be acknowledged.

That said, there are some that do operate very similarly and it is those that have to change, perhaps those that do care about their tenants and have the foresight and understanding to realise that their tenants are an asset and not just an easily disposable income stream could be a guiding light for those not so well informed!

I won't go into the ins and outs of whose done what, for those who have an interest just read the BISC report and listen to the horror stories of tenants, the evidence is all there for those who care to open their eyes and ears to the harsh and sad reality of this sector of the industry.

The one sure factor is that there has to be change, be that a willing change or a mandatory change, the status quo is neither maintainable or desirable for the consumers, the tenants, the pubcos or this trade. Very sadly it would appear that mandatory change will be the only way forward.

The pubcos have argued counterveiling benefits, this is open to dispute. They have blamed the government and the tenants, but they fail to admit their own failings. Yes there are some tenants who may well not cut the grain, but these are in the minority and most certainly not the majority. Who took on these tenants, ah yes that would be the pubcos and no matter what tenants do not deserve to be treated as they have and continue to be by some pubcos.

It is sad because pubcos could bring a lot to the table if they so desired, there could be relationships that were in fact mutually beneficial rather than the imbalance that currently exists and this trade could unite to work together to protect and promote the Great British Pub!

As sure as God made little apples united we will stand and divided we will fall!