Enterprise Inns found in breach of code in first two PICA-Service cases

The service is part of the self-regulation agreement between the industry and Government to manage the pubco-tenant relationship.

At the inaugural hearing on 17 August, in a case between Enterprise and the Foresters Arms in Forest Row, East Sussex, the PICA-Service panel found Enterprise had breached its code of practice on one of the alleged counts — that it did not complete work to be done within a given timeframe. The panel also found the company to be in breach of its code by not acting within the spirit of the code.

Enterprise was found not to have breached its code of practice on a further three counts. An award of damages has been made to the Foresters Arms and the complainant has been invited to submit an application for costs.

In the second PICA-Service panel hearing on 17 October, between Enterprise and the George on the Green, Holyport, Berkshire, the panel agreed that Enterprise had breached its code of practice by not adhering to timeframes in connection with a scheduled rent review.

Damages have been awarded to the George on the Green and the complainant, licensee Russell Stone, has been invited to submit an application for costs.  

He said: “I have a rent review every five years and I couldn’t have that cloud hanging over me. I am happy with how the process worked. I want people to know because if I don’t broadcast my case, how are Enterprise going to change?”

The Publican’s Morning Advertiser was unable to contact the licensee at the Foresters Arms.

A spokesperson for Enterprise said: “We are under clear instruction from PICA-Service that the findings of any inquiry are confidential. We are not in a position to comment until we have taken further instruction.”

However, PICA-Service will make the results of hearings available to industry stakeholders. Amounts of compensation and costs awarded are being kept confidential.

The next PICA-Service panel hearing is due to be held on 11 December.