CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, launched a petition on January 16th 2014 to build pressure on the Government in advance of a crucial Parliamentary Debate taking place next Tuesday (21st Jan) calling for a Pubs Watchdog.The Government promised to introduce a Pubs Watchdog and Statutory Code a year ago but have missed two key deadlines to progress these plans. Now, with 26 pubs being lost in the UK every week, a Pubs Watchdog is urgently required to prevent big pub companies putting many individual publicans’ pubs under pressure and risk of closure due to unfair practices.

Supporters can sign the petition by visiting: http://www.pubscandal.org.uk

Mike Benner, CAMRA’s Chief Executive said:

“Pubs are closing as a result of big pub companies squeezing the profits of publicans with costly rents and high beer prices.

The Government has recognised that costly rents combined with high beer prices are damaging some pubs. We are backing the Government’s plans to act but words and proposals need to be translated into urgent action via the introduction of a Statutory Code, Pubs Watchdog, a guest beer right and a market rent only option for licensees tied to the large pub companies.”

26 pubs a week are closing

“Our petition is the latest demonstration of public dissatisfaction at the way far too many publicans are treated by the big pub companies. A survey run by the Government saw 96% of people responding supporting action.”

“We urge all those who care about the future of their local pub to sign our petition to help prevent pubs being sold off by the big pub companies for conversion to housing, convenience stores or even more betting shops.”

Toby Perkins MP, Shadow Pubs Minister who is leading Tuesday’s debate, said:

“Too many pubs across Britain are closing their doors and we urgently need action but Ministers are dragging their feet. A wide range of bodies from the Federation of Small Businesses, CAMRA and trade unions to the BIS Select Committee and the All Party Save the Pub Group have recognised that the relationship between the big pub companies and local landlords is an unfair one which needs to be fixed and have backed plans for a proper statutory code with teeth. Pubs are vital hubs in communities up and down the country. By forcing a House of Commons debate we are demanding that the Government act to support them rather than caving in to powerful vested interests.”

Supporters can sign the petition by visiting: here.