Farron asks Competition Commission to look into Pubco conduct

3.00.00pm GMT Wed 20th Feb 2008

Local MP Tim Farron has written to the Competition Commission today asking that they look into the conduct of pub chains in relation to lessees. Mr Farron has tabled a Commons Motion criticising the pub chains that have in many cases been raising rent and other costs, forcing many pub landlords into hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of debt.

This has led Mr Farron to write to the Competition Commission asking them to investigate the excessive price increases foisted upon landlords in recent years, and to act to try and prevent more pubs from closure.

Tim Farron said:

"Many landlords have been in touch with me about this issue, and all of them are feeling the squeeze from the pubcos. They are being forced into thousands of pounds of debt and in some cases are being forced to close.

"Pubs are often an integral part of a community and act as a social hub. It would be disastrous to see many of them close, and I hope the Competition Commission will look into this and take action."