Last week Mulholland, the architect behind the market rent only (MRO) clause in the Small Business Bill, wrote to the chief executives of the three large brewing pubcos, Greene King, Marston’s and Heineken UK, inviting them to meet him to discuss the issue further.
The MRO clause states that large pubcos that also brew beer will be able to insist on their brands being sold in their tenanted and leased pubs, but the tenant would be free to buy them from anywhere.
Mulholland said it would be “very odd” if the three companies declined his offer as it is “clearly in their interests to do so”.
The letter states: “If of course you do not wish to meet with me or you don’t respond, I will advise the Government that there is no interest from the large brewing pubcos to develop my MRO concept… and, therefore, not to worry about including such a provision in the statutory code.”
Responses
A spokesman for Heineken UK, which operates the Star Pubs and Bars estate, said: “We are happy to meet Mr Mulholland and have responded to his letter.”
However, Marston’s said it would not be commenting and Greene King failed to respond to the PMA’s request for comment.
Separately, Scottish brewery Tennent’s said it would be campaigning to extend the MRO reforms north of the border. Tennent’s is writing to MPs and MSPs to garner support.
It said: “We believe it’s in the interest of Scotland’s pubs for Holyrood to implement the legislation at the same pace as the rest of the UK.”
Letter to peers
The Save the Pub Group has written to members of the House of Lords this week about what it calls is a "campaign of misinformation" from the BBPA and asking for support for the MRO clause as the bill makes its way through the Lords.