AUSTIN SUPPORTS CAMPAIGN TO KEEP COMMUNITY PUBS OPEN

Dudley MP Ian Austin is calling on the Government to introduce a Code of Practice to protect community pubs.

His call comes amidst figures showing that 25 pubs are closing every week.

Austin has written to Business Secretary Vince Cable asking him  to ensure that pubs tied to big companies can buy beer and other products on the open market at competitive prices rather than being tied to buying through their company – often at inflated prices.

He also wants to see measures introduced to stop companies demanding unjustifiably high rents for the lease of their pubs.

The MP spoke out as Parliament debated a Statutory Code of Practice for pub companies. The Business Committee has recommended that the Government consult on a statutory code of conduct to protect pub tenants, with an adjudicator to resolve disputes. Despite this, Ministers have refused to take action or develop plans to offer tenants a non-tied option.

Austin has worked closely with local CAMRA branches on the issue and has previously called for the Government to implement measures to save many community pubs.

Ian Austin MP said:

“Here in Dudley, local community pubs and the brewing industry play a really important part in boosting our local economy.  We have seen the success of the Dudley CAMRA beer festival at the town hall, and smaller events at pubs such as the Courthouse and I think that they're a great part of our local heritage.

“Unfortunately the government are putting local pubs at risk by failing to follow through on the action plan that the industry welcomed as a key part of giving pubs the best chance of fighting their way through the recession.  I’m calling on the government to implement the action plan in full and work with the BIS Select Committee to bring forward the legislation needed to ensure that pub companies operate fairly in regard to their relationship with their tenants.”