IPC: statutory pubco code must come in without delay
The IPC, made up of several trade groups including the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, the Campaign for Real Ale and Fair Pint, held a meeting following the release of last week’s report by the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee.
The Report recommended the Government introduce a statutory code of practice backed up by a full suite of sanctions.
“Pubcos have been drinking in the last chance saloon for the past year and the Committee has rightly and finally lost patience with their promises to put their own house in order,” said IPC chairman Bill Sharp.
“We are pleased that the Committee has listened to the concerns we raised at the oral evidence session and we support and endorse their recommendations for reform.
“If implemented in full, these will deliver the free, fair and flexible competitive market place the IPC has been striving for and which the sector desperately needs. It will ensure that thousands of small businesses and hard pressed licensees will be able to not only survive but thrive going forward.”
He added: “It is now for Government to act. We concur with the chairman of the BIS Committee, Adrian Bailey — this should be a relatively straightforward process and we can see no reason why it cannot be rapidly implemented.
“The IPC was borne out of mediation and we continue to stand ready to work with all industry stakeholders and government to translate the Committee’s recommendations into meaningful reform and deliver a full and final solution to the problems which have dogged this sector for the past decade.”
The Publican's Morning Advertiser will bring you further reaction and comment, including an exclusive view from BISC chairman Adrian Bailey, in the magazine out on Thursday.
