MULHOLLAND SPEAKS AT FAIR PINT LOBBY DAY

11.49.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 21st May 2009

Greg Mulholland MP, Chair of the All Party Save the Pub Group, yesterday spoke at the Fair Pint Lobby day at Parliament.

In the wake of the Business and Enterprise Committee's report criticising the Beer Tie, Greg congratulated the fair pint campaigners on their success in raising awareness in this issue.

Greg Mulholland (Liberal Democrat) Chair of the Save the Pub Group commented;

"The Business and Enterprise Committee's report confirmed what a lot of us have known for a number of years - that the manner in which the beer tie is being operated by some of the larger pub companies is killing the pub trade in Britain.

The abuse of the beer tie is leading to tenants having to pay inflated prices for beer which they than have to pass on to their customers. Lessees are struggling to make a living which is obvious from the number of pubs closing each week.

We at the APPG Save the Pub Group focus on all issues affecting the Great British Pub including the oppressive nature of the manner in which the beer tie is being operated. I congratulate the members of the Fair Pint campaign for the manner in which they have brought this issue to the attention of the Government."