BISC: Pubcos 'drinking in last chance saloon'

Speaking during the pubco debate in the House of Commons last week the MP – who is also chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group - raised concern about the level of regulation being imposed on the pub trade.

“I think we all agree on the need to clean up the pub companies’ act and the way in which tenants are treated. None of us disagrees on that, and we all want to see healthy and vibrant brewing and pub industries,” he said.

“I do not defend the actions of some pub companies, as uncovered by the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee (BISC),” he said. “We have to be careful before we reach for the lever of regulation, because once it is imposed, the costs, burdens and unintended consequences are there for everyone to see.”

He also raised concern about accusations levelled at the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) for misleading the Government over the self-regulation deal.

“We all recognise that pubcos are drinking at the last chance saloon, but today I heard the accusations made against the BBPA and I am, quite frankly, staggered,” he said.

“Hon. members have mentioned several small family brewers, but all are members of the BBPA. It is not some sinister organisation, and although it is made up of pubcos, it also includes family brewers from up and down the country, so the idea that it has some sinister hand on the minister’s shoulder and is influencing him in an underhand way is blatant nonsense.”

He expressed support for the self-regulation deal, which will see a toughened, legally-binding Industry Framework Code, the setting up of the Pub Independent Conciliation Advisory Service (PICAS) and a three-year accreditation for company codes.

He also said the idea that the tie is the only thing that is leading to the closure of pubs is “blatant nonsense”. He said MPs must also consider the changes in people’s drinking habits, the power the supermarkets, and the red tape and regulation. .