Minister “pleased” OFT has re-opened beer tie inquiry
In an exclusive interview with The Publican, Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe claims there is lack of consistency over pubcos approach to the tie - and defends Labour’s record on pubs
A government minister has admitted he is “pleased” the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is re-examining the beer tie, arguing there is a lack of a “consistent” approach by pubcos.
In an exclusive face-to-face interview with The Publican, Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said he knew of licensees in his constituency that had been “put in a difficult position” by pubcos.
“The OFT have re-opened the CAMRA appeal and I’m pleased about that… but obviously it’s a matter for the competition auhtorities,” he said.
Sutcliffe revealed that in a meeting with the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), he rejected the group’s argument the tie was not an issue.
“I spoke to Brigid Simmonds (chief executive of the BBPA) who was trying to argue that the tie wasn’t a problem,” he said.
“But I said to her Brigid, it is, because different companies are operating in different ways… what the solutions are a competition issue and that’s why it’s right the OFT are going to take a look at it.”
To view the full article go to:Â The Publican
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