Pub 2311 p07 news 19/11/09 12:39 Page 7
www.thepublican.com thePublican Monday 23/11/09 7
News This Week
GIMME SHELTER
In the City
Admiral Taverns
The much anticipated debt-for-
Licensee demands S&NPC replace his ‘unsafe’ leaking roof,
equity swap sees Lloyds take
control of the UK’s third-largest
while pubco bids to evict him over £55k in withheld rent
leased pub operator
See City & Business, page 13
By John Dunne Enterprise Inns
news@thepublican.com
Annual profits down by a fifth and
A LICENSEE is facing eviction more pressure on numbers
after refusing to pay £55,000 rent to expected, says Solihull-
Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company headquartered pubco
(S&NPC) because they will not repair See City & Business, page 14
his roof.
Les Charlesworth claims the
chimney of his 15th-century Marquis Capital Pub Co
pub in Colchester, Essex, is about to
collapse. London operator reports upturn in
The former builder, who has been trading in 26-pub estate
in the premises for two years, has See City & Business, page 14
withheld his rent in protest and was
served with a winding-up order on
November 11.
He is now locked in a legal battle
with S&NPC, which insists that the CLUB OFFERS
Grade II-listed pub does not need
extensive work. 6
9
P DRINKS
Les said: “This is ridiculous. I was a
builder and I know what I am talking IN PRICING
about – the roof needs replacing and The roof of the Marquis in Colchester. Licensee Les Charlesworth claims the chimney is about
it is not safe. to collapse, while S&NPC insists the listed building does not need major repairs PROTEST
“I am not paying my rent because
trade is down and the problem with than £4,000 a month and Les now obligations towards property repairs A NIGHTCLUB owner under fire for
the roof, as I understand it, has been owes £55,000 – money that he does extremely seriously. offering drinks for 69p has claimed
known about for nine years. There are not have. “In this instance, repairs to the roof the promotion is intended as a stunt
leaks upstairs and the living area is He added: “They have informally have been made. Further problems to highlight the ‘stupidly low’ price of
damp, it’s really miserable. offered me a 10 per cent discount, but that have now been brought to our alcohol.
“Scottish & Newcastle did do some I cannot pay so it’s now in the hands attention we are dealing with. Barbara Vowles’ club Chambers
work but it has not sorted out the of lawyers. I think it’s really sad that “We refute any claims regarding the in Darlington slashes prices on
problem. Now I am facing eviction it’s come to this.” state of the existing roof. However, Thursdays as part of a recession-
and being hit with legal fees to fight However, a spokesperson for we are unable to comment any further busting ‘Broke’ night.
this.” S&NPC said: “We work in close part- at this stage as the matter is now in The promotion has been branded
The rent on the premises is more nership with our lessees and take our litigation.” irresponsible by police, but the
licensee said she was so worried
about plunging prices that she needed
ALMR OFFERS
to take action.
She said: “The stupidly low prices in
CHRISTMAS
supermarkets and in pub promotion
nights have to be addressed.
LUNCH WITH
“I started Broke night to attract
attention to the issue and it has
TV’S FRED
worked. There is no law to stop these
promotions.
MACAULAY
“That is the point – there needs to
be a minimum price of alcohol.
“We emailed our local MP Alan
COMEDIAN FRED MacAulay from Milburn about the issue months ago
TV’s Mock the Week will be the guest and despite all the talk nothing has
speaker at the Association of Licensed been done.”
Multiple Retailers (ALMR) Christmas Barbara claimed she scraped only a
lunch. small profit from the nights, which
MacAulay – a former accountant would continue despite police
who has also appeared on Have I Got protests.
News for You and QI – will provide Inspector Steve Steen of Durham
the entertainment at the event at Police said: “The area is partly resi-
Billingsgate Market, London. dential and we expect this offer will
There have already been 1,100 attract a large number of people and
bookings, and only a few places potentially disturb those living nearby.
remain for the event on December 16. “We are concerned how the club is
To book call 020 8579 2010. going to manage the influx of people.”
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