Archive for October, 2009

  • OFT Clears Pub Ties

    24.10.2009 / Category: News

    An enquiry by The Office of Fair Trading has found no evidence to suggest that the relationship between pub companies and the landlords of tied houses is harming competition in the sector.

    The enquiry was instigated by a complaint from Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) who now plan to lobby Lord Mandelson to overturn the OFT’s findings.

    Camra CEO Mike Benner told the BBC ;
    “We do not accept that there is sufficient competition between pubs or adequate consumer benefit from competition and choice within this sector, urgent action is now required by government to stem the flow of pub closures, build a sustainable future and ensure that consumers get a fair share of the benefit from tied agreements as demanded by competition law.”

    Simon Williams from the OFT responded ;
    “Any strategy by a pub-owning company which compromises the competitive position of its tied pubs would not be sustainable, as this would result in a loss of sales, pub-owning companies are not therefore protected from competition by virtue of the supply ties agreed with their lessees. We understand that our response to Camra comes at a difficult time for the industry, but the evidence indicates that consumers benefit from a good deal of competition and choice within this sector.”

    The OFT’s decision saw shares across the pub trade rise substantially, with shares in Enterprise Inns (7,500 pubs) rising 23.4%, and those of Punch Taverns (7,600 pubs) rose 14.8%.

  • Punch Guest Ale Trial

    07.10.2009 / Category: News

    Puch TavernsThe Publican

    A trial scheme began on Monday between Punch Taverns and SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) allowing 170 Pubco premises to buy locally produced beers and ales.

    The 3 month trial is to be held in the North East and Midlands, with distribution from micro-breweries facilitated by the Direct Delivery Scheme. If successful the scheme will become permanent and more widely available.

    Commercial Director for SIBA said ;
    “SIBA brewers are delighted to be able to help Punch Taverns take advantage of the only growing sector in the brewing industry. Local brewers are very keen to continue their growth, in partnership with Punch, by providing consumers with what they want – quality cask beer.”

  • Pub Gift Vouchers

    07.10.2009 / Category: News

    Next month sees the launch of the first ever on-trade-only voucher scheme and 4 pubco’s are already on board.

    Thwaites, Young’s, Greene King and Hall & Woodhouse have already signed up to the scheme which starts in November and will enable the vouchers to be used in over a thousand venues across the country. Over £3bn is spent on gift vouchers in the UK each year and the scheme should allow pubs to take a piece of the cake.

    Vouchers will be obtainable via the internet in denominations of £10 and £20 and can bus used for accommodation as well as food and drink at participating venues. There is no up-front cost involved for the pubs, and any licensee wishing to participate is asked to email info@pubtokens.com in the first instance.

  • Win Welsh Pub for £20

    06.10.2009 / Category: News

    The freehold of a welsh pub is up for grabs as a competition prize, and the entry fee is a mere £20 and four multiple choice questions !

    Over 5000 hopefuls have so far entered the competition to win the ‘Plash Inn’ in Llanfallteg, Carmarthenshire, after the owners could not find a buyer for the pub with an asking price of £320,000. The prize includes the pub, a holiday cottage, all fixtures plus any remaining stock.

    The deadline for entries has been extended due to technical issues earlier in the competition. You can get more details and apply online at : www.winapubinwales.co.uk

  • National Trust Ale

    05.10.2009 / Category: News

    As part of a new range of food and drink to be launched by The National Trust, an Ale is to be released under license by the Westerham Brewery in Kent using hops from Scotney Castle.

    Viceroy India Pale Ale is to be part of the ‘Best of British’ range and was inspired by Lord Curzon – 1st Marquis of Kedleston and donor to the National Trust.

    The ale is described as being golden, nutty and hoppy. It will use hops from the National Trust’s last remaining hop garden. It will be made available in draught as well as 500ml bottles, a case of 12 bottles will retail at £23.

    The ‘Best of British’ range will also include bread, biscuits, potatoes and meat.