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Greens demand a fair deal for pubs

By James Ledward
Jan 28, 2012 - 11:27:28 AM
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Cllr Bill Randall

A successful Green motion to full Council on Thursday (January 26) demanded a fair deal for local community pubs.

In it, Green councillors expressed concerns at the ‘rip-off’ that sees the big pub companies (PubCos) overcharge their tied tenants for drinks.
 
It also asked the government to consider introducing a minimum price for alcohol to discourage off-licenses and supermarkets selling alcohol at below cost price, which undercuts the safer drinking environment of pubs, and contributes to alcohol problems in the city.
 
Cllr Bill Randall, who proposed the motion, said:
“Recent figures show that ‘PubCos’ own 51 per cent of pubs in the UK. On top of rent, pub landlords usually have to buy their beer, wine and spirits from the PubCo at inflated prices – even though it could be cheaper elsewhere. This poses an enormous threat to local pubs, which have an important part to play in encouraging responsible drinking and acting as a community hub.”
 
Cllr Ben Duncan, who seconded the motion, said:
“Alcohol is a real public health issue in the city. Introducing a minimum price per unit would stop supermarkets and off-licenses from selling alcohol at below cost-price. This would encourage people to instead drink in the safe and regulated environment of the local community pub.”
 


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