Damian Hinds has welcomed moves from the Government to protect local publicans by setting up an independent Adjudicator to address unfair practices in the pub industry.
This Adjudicator will enforce a new statutory code to protect publicans from abuses by pub companies on a number of issues including rents and the price of beer. The Code will ensure that ‘a tied licensee should not be worse off than a free-of-tie licensee’ by preventing the abuse of the beer tie – which means that publicans need to sell particular types of beer. The Government will now consult on these proposals.
Damian Hinds said:
“Pubs are a fundamental feature of British society, and East Hampshire has a proud pubs and brewing heritage. But far too many pubs are being forced to close across the country. Having formerly worked in the pub and brewing industry, I believe that abolishing the beer tie would not be a cure-all. When applied well the tie can act as a way of sharing risk and so can help people get into the business. But we do need a transparent system throughout the industry to enable both tied and non-tied publicans to compete effectively. The aim here is rightly to create an environment where sustainable businesses can prosper, rather than hampering the entire industry with excessive regulation.”