Pubco inquiry: my view from the ringside

As Fair Pint's Karl Harrison engaged in pre-match banter and laughter with old adversary Brigid Simmonds of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), he reminded me that it's a "bit like a boxing match, or rugby" when it comes to these hearings — let's kick seven bells out of each other and then go and have a drink together. "You have to play the game," he explained.

If this was a boxing match, I think Team Simmonds may have just cause to lodge a complaint about some of the refereeing, as BISC member Brian Binley took his own personal battle with Enterprise boss Ted Tuppen to a whole new level, accusing him of continually misleading tenants and prevaricating.

The intense questions to Tuppen and his pubco colleagues bore little resemblance to the more sedate approach to the Independent Pub Confederation (IPC), with several questions taking the form of: "Would you not agree with me that...?"

But then again, who can blame Binley? After all, he was one of those labelled a "moron" by Tuppen. He was also one of the originals from the 2004 inquiry and his frustration at having to sit through the whole process again seven years on was clear for all to see. In fact, the general feeling after the hearing from both sides was one of fatigue at putting over the same arguments yet again.

The pubco team had clearly been well-trained in how to engage with MPs this time and Tuppen seemed keen to take centre-stage.

Tuppen, complete with folder and pink page markers noting relevant sections, even managed a couple of smiles in response to this stern investigation — even when it came to the size of his wage packet.

Glasses on head as per norm, Tuppen fielded questions and even offered responses to queries not specifically aimed at him.

When he wasn't being grilled he placed his hands together and rested his chin on them, as if he were praying, and remained on the edge of his seat ready to jump in.

School exam​

Marston's Pub Company managing director Alistair Darby laid his watch out in front of him as if he was in a school exam and wanted to watch time tick by. He was firm when questioned about revealing discounts the company negotiates with its beer suppliers

At one end of the row, Greene King Pub Partners' managing director Simon Longbottom was clear and concise but rarely called upon.

But poor old Paul Wells, chairman of Charles Wells and representing the Independent Family Brewers at the hearing. He had neatly set out in front of him a printed document, with a picture of himself on it, next to a complicated flow chart-type diagram. But he had only one question to answer about how easy pubcos are to deal with as brewers, and was asked to conclude his answer swiftly.

And Simmonds — given such a rough ride at the last inquiry and subsequent All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group meetings — was much more calm and measured with constant use of buzzwords such as "journey" and "progress" and "more to do". There were also many uses of the words "apologise" and "sorry" to the committee if she had not provided it with enough information.

Back-up man​

Roger Whiteside, managing director of Punch Taverns' leased division, played the role of back-up man when others could not answer. On a couple of occasions, Simmonds looked his way and said: "Perhaps Roger would like to..."

It was a tactic not lost on Tuppen when he skilfully dodged the question of giving his company a mark out of 10 for the progress it had made. "Perhaps Roger would go first," he offered. Tuppen exited swiftly following his session.

Rock 'n' roll​

The sharp pin-stripe suits of Fair Pint's Harrison and Simon Clarke contrasted with the navy pubco ensemble, but the prize for outfit of the day went to Enterprise lessee Paul Daly, who gave evidence back in 2008.

He brought a touch of rock 'n' roll to proceedings as he sat at the back observing, dressed in combats, bleached blond hair, wristbands, earrings and over-sized sun glasses throughout the whole hearing.

In the battle of the women, IPC secretary Kate Nicholls came off ahead, but the questions to her were far easier from a sympathetic committee.

The pubcos could be justified in feeling the committee has an agenda and this is going only one way — a recommendation for a statutory code.