A record 39 pubs a week are closing in Britain, up on the 36 closures a week in the first half of 2008, according to new figures published in January 2009 by CGA Strategy for the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
Those figures show that public houses are suffering particularly badly during the current economic downturn and Business Link East has produced a special guide to help licensees cope with the changes taking place.
Pub Companies and Tied Tenants
A new FSB Policy Paper has been produced which includes three recomendations:
- Abolish the tie where it does not work giving tied tenants a chance to make a fair profit.
- Initiate an Ombudsman for tied publicans who will support and advise tenants in the event of conflict that cannot be resolved between the tenant and the Pubco.
- Enforce fully transparent rent reviews through a statutory code, allowing tenants to understand on what basis rents are calculated.
Download the FSB Policy Paper on Pub Companies and Tied Tenants here
Practical Booklet
A booklet - called Open for Business - contains practical information and advice on steps that can be taken to attract more customers. It has been developed in partnership with the British Institute of Innkeeping, Pub is the Hub and CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).
£500 Voucher
In addition there is the opportunity to receive a voucher worth £500 to buy professional services to help boost your trade – the initial offer finished at the end of March 2009 but other assistance has been put in place from April 2009 - full details by contacting Business Link East.
Essex FSB is supporting this Business Link Initiative to help public houses as part of the Keep Trade Local campaign.
More Information
More information is available from Business Link or on 08457 171615.
Download the Open For Business document here
Latest News
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Comments
If you have comments on this issue please send your views to Essex FSB Development Manager, Keith Brown.