Scunthorpe MP to raise plight of pubs with Vince Cable
Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin is to raise the plight of cash-starved publicans in his constituency with Business Secretary Vince Cable.
In a ground-breaking move, the MP has written letters to 73 pubs in the area, asking them to tell him their concerns for the future of the trade.
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Fight: Nic Dakin
In the letter, Mr Dakin expresses his belief that pubs play a vital role in the community, but says the unfair practices of some operators are putting their future at risk.
Mr Dakin told The Fly he had already received a range of suggestions and recommendations from different managers and tenants.
He said: “I’m currently in the middle of drafting further letters to Vince Cable on the topic, with questions based around the recommendations made by those that have replied.
“There is concern across the industry that the pub companies are making excessive demands on business and managers, rather than letting them develop their business accordingly.
“One of the reasons for writing to the local pubs is to get feedback from them on this issue.
“Better regulation of who pub companies are giving contracts to is a good suggestion in my mind – similar to how banks can only give out responsible loans.
“Another suggestion was for pub companies to provide proper training for new managers, as quite often people under-estimate the amount of work that goes into running a pub.
“If the pub companies had some obligation to ensure licensees were prepared for the huge task of running a pub, it would hopefully lead to a more sustainable pub industry where everything is properly managed.”
In his letter, Mr Dakin states: “I am writing to you as premises supervisor of this public house. I believe pubs such as yours play a vital role in our communities, serving as friendly open spaces in which people can socialise and enjoy themselves. “However, I think that their role is at risk.
“Recently, there was a debate in Parliament on the unfair practices of some Pub Companies (PubCos).
“Labour supported a motion that was designed to challenge these unfair practices by introducing a statutory code of practice that includes a free-of-tie-in option and an independent adjudicator.”
Christopher Hutson, landlord of the Butcher’s Arms in Winterton, said: “I think it is fabulous Nic Dakin is getting involved in this issue.
“Supermarkets are an issue because they are selling alcohol much more cheaply. We cannot buy our alcohol from anywhere else other than from the company that provides it.
“I could go to a local cash and carry and buy the same barrel we are receiving for two-thirds of the price.”
5 Comments
by suffolkpunch
Friday, February 17 2012, 1:35PM
“If Mr Dakin was to ask those publicans if they would like to have the freedom to choose whether to allow smoking or not, nearly every one would say 'YES'.
It is the smoking ban that has killed off thousands of our pubs and clubs.”
by alaskanstu
Friday, February 17 2012, 1:13PM
“Let' s hope they discuss this urgent matter over a leisurely pub lunch in the heavily subsidised bars .Which one though The Strangers' Bar, the Members' Smoking Room, the Pugin Room or possibly the Moncrieff's bar .It's so vexing .”
by Paranoid61
Friday, February 17 2012, 11:20AM
“Nice to see Dakin has found a bandwagon he can finally get on and know he will be supported whole heartedly by many Scunny residents . Super news that the deserted gerbil will soon be plying its trade after the re furb .”
by Sparks2400
Friday, February 17 2012, 11:04AM
“The blanket smoking ban and the greed of the PubCos are both to blame for the demise of the pub industry.
It would have been interesting to see what percentage of pub goers were smokers before the ban and what the percentage is now it has been in force for a while.
I for one, don't use the pub anywhere near the amount that I used to purely because nobody wants to stand out in the rain, snow or wind to do something that the MPs who voted for the ban, can do in the Houses of Parliament bars legally.
Hypocrisy at its best, I do believe.
As for the PubCos, their overpricing has made going to the pub regularly, financially non-viable, especially when you can buy 10 cans of beer cheaper than 3 bottles, the cans containing 440mL and the bottles containing 330mL! Other than for social contact, the pub now comes a very poor second in most peoples' entertainment calendar and I and my friends regularly stay in and party.
The balance is completely tipped in my favour as I have SKY sports and most pubs don't. The ironic thing is, now that I have the sports channels on my own tv, I save even more by not going to the pub to watch major games because even though the sports package is costly, it is still saving me money by not buying overpriced beer 90% less than I used to.”
by Cordaline
Friday, February 17 2012, 10:49AM
“It's a sad fact that Pubcos have killed off a lot of estate pubs, but hey! on the bright side the refurbishment of the Desert Rat is nearly complete and it is due to open in a few weeks time.”