Independent Operators

The Marischal: closed for two years

BrewDog buys first pub

By Ewan Turney

Controversial Scottish micro-brewer BrewDog has acquired its first pub — the Marischal in Aberdeen.

Charity: mediation wasn't a waste of time

The limits to pubco giving

By The PMA Team

Trying to broker an agreement with the parties involved in mediation talks between pub tenants and their landlords was described by one observer as "like herding cats", says The PMA Team.

Pubs are due a refund on music licence but may have to wait a year

Pubs could wait a year for PPL refunds

By John Harrington

Licensees could be forced to wait up to a year before they can claim back money from music licensing body PPL following a major legal ruling. The...

IPC aims to represent the licensees, brewers and consumers

IPC to create unified voice for pub trade

By Ewan Turney

The newly formed Independent Pub Confederation is to position itself as the trade representative body for Government to talk to about all issues affecting the pub industry.

Punch and Enterprise: share prices on the up

Pubco shares rise after OFT report

By Ewan Turney

The country's two biggest tenanted and leased operators saw share prices rise yesterday after the OFT delivered its report on the beer tie.

OFT: not ruled out action on restrictive covenants

OFT: no systematic failure in pubco model

By John Harrington

The OFT has recognised there may be some individual examples of poor behaviour by pubcos and tenants but there is no "systematic failure".

Benner: Government must now act

Camra: Government must overrule OFT

By John Harrington

The Campaign for Real Ale says the Government must overrule the Office of Fair Trading's decision to take no further action on the beer tie.

Pubcos: in the clear from OFT

OFT will take no further action on pubcos

By Ewan Turney

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) will take no further action following the Campaign for Real Ale's super-complaint over pubcos and the beer tie. It found that the beer tie is not having an adverse impact on consumers.

Darby: mediation achieved a lot

Pub mediation achieved a lot

By Alastair Darby

Mediation achieved more than you might think. Here's the view of Alistair Darby, managing director of Marston's Pub Company. Fair Pint, the ALMR,...

Morgan: competition for festive pound starts now

Pubs must keep the momentum going

By Neil Morgan

The end of this year and the first six months of 2010 are still likely to be tough, says Christie + Co head of pubs Neil Morgan.

Walkabout: sites taken out of administration by Intertain

Regent completes pre-pack administration

By The PMA Team

Regent Inns has gone through a pre-pack administration with 60 sites emerging in a new company, Intertain, led by previous management. Three...

Are pubs the problem?

'Pub drinking more dangerous than at home'

By Gemma McKenna

Drinking in the pub is "potentially more explosive" than doing so at home, according to a senior Tesco lobbyist. Emma Reynolds spoke against pushing up the price of alcohol in supermarkets at a conference.

Home Office suggests seizing ID is not against the law

Green light for pub underage ID seizures

By John Harrington

More pub operators will be encouraged to confiscate ID used fraudulently to buy alcohol underage after the Home Office gave a virtual green light to...

Pub sales for alternative use set to continue

Alternative-use pub trend to continue

By Gemma McKenna

The trend for selling pubs for alternative use will continue for another year, according to two of the country's largest licensed property agents....

3DE runs the Chicago Rock Cafe brand

3DE to be marketed for sale

By Mark Stretton, M&C Report

The board of 3D Entertainment (3DE), the late-night bar and club group, has appointed advisers to launch an official sale of the business.

Payne: important to bank benefits for members

FLVA defends position on pub mediation

By John Harrington

The FLVA has defended its decision to back the BBPA's moves to compel pubcos to offer a better deal for tenants rather than give full support to more wide-ranging reform.

Pub Revolution: wants direct action

Pub Revolution support swells

By Ewan Turney

The Pub Revolution group, calling for a mass "beercott", claims it has had interest from 10% of the tenants in the country.

Grogan: time for a fresh start

New session should bring new approach

By John Grogan

The return of Parliament provides an opportunity for the friends of pubs and beer, both inside and outside the House, to adopt a fresh approach, says John Grogan.

BBN: tough talking

Best Bar None gets tough with venues

By John Harrington

Best Bar None-accredited bars could have their status withdrawn if they don't adhere to best practice. That's one plan from BBN chief Neil...

New look Smith & Jones: The Imperial in Hereford

Barracuda invests in pub refurbishments

By Ewan Turney

Managed operator Barracuda is to refurbish 22 of its pubs between August and December 2009 as part of a multi-million pound investment. The...

Supermarkets: cheap drink not ruining pubs

Supermarkets: we're not destroying pubs

By Gemma McKenna

The UK's biggest supermarkets told MPs that off trade alcohol promotions were not responsible for "destroying traditional pubs". Asda, Sainsbury's...

Alcohol consumption is falling

Alcohol consumption falls again

By Ewan Turney

Alcohol consumption is falling at its fastest rate for more than 60 years, according to new figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA)....

ALMR chief executive Nick Bish is part of the newly formed IPC

IPC: we represent 25,000 pub licensees

By Ewan Turney

The newly formed Independent Pub Confederation (IPC) claims to represent 25,000 licensees and is not for the total abolition of the beer tie.

Yates's: one of the managed brands taking part in the tracker

Managed pub chains on the up

By Ewan Turney

The major branded pub chains have now recorded six months of positive like-for-like sales growth, despite predictions that the eating and drinking...

Roberston: we have no position on beer tie

BII boss: we're not sitting on the fence

By Ewan Turney

The BII is not sitting on the fence despite being the only group in support of both industry agreements. The BII has signed up to the British Beer...

Awards will be presented at next MA 150 seminar

MA 150 finalists unveiled

By The PMA Team

The finalists for the Morning Advertiser 150 club awards for multiple managed operators have been unveiled. The short-listed finalists are: •...

Pub quartet completed climb

Pub quartet complete Kilimanjaro climb

By The PMA Team

Four pub operators have returned to the UK after successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro — 5,895 metres high — for charity. Paul Salisbury, who...

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