In an email to pub operators, Wayne Shurvinton, managing director of the group’s Pub Partners branch, said it would delay rent collection and charges of insurance, licensing and maintenance for the foreseeable future.
The announcement came ahead of a speech from Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak on how the Government will support businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Shurvinton said: “As you would expect, we have been working through the recent Government advice to understand what this means for you, our customers and employees.
“While we await further advice from the Government today (17 March), we have taken the decision to delay the collection of rent and the associated charges of insurance, licensing and maintenance and service until further notice.”
Utmost priority
Shurvinton added: “Please rest assured these circumstances and the situation we all find ourselves in is being treated as our utmost priority.
“We know this is very unsettling and we are working closely with our industry trade bodies to seek the clarity we all need.
“I fully appreciate this is a worrying time, not just for business reasons but also for personal reasons, especially concerning the health and wellbeing of our family and friends.
“My thoughts are with you all at this time as we continue to review the support we’re able to provide while this situation continues to evolve.”
This makes Greene King one of the first of the big six pub companies to relax payments, with many remaining quiet ahead of further Government announcements about the future of pubs.
