Tomorrow we get the findings of the Business and Enterprise Committee on the increasingly controversial Beer Tie business model used by many of the major pub companies.
Enterprise Inns's Ted Tuppen got the ball rolling today: http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2009/02/12/326128/interview-andy-cosslett-takes-ihg-into-china.html but what are your thoughts on this? The Fair Pint campaign certainly has a different view to Tuppen - http://www.fairpint.org.uk/
The BEC report is out and is goes further than anticipated, with some strongly worded criticism of the major pubcos and a call on the Government to refer them to the Competition Commission.
The MPs said the beer tie should be "severely limited" after accusing the pubcos of "downright bullying" of tenants.
There is a slight whiff of populism here (nothing like a David vs Goliath battle to get the public on side) but it seems the MPs were swayed by the arguments of campaigners such as Fair Pint and some increasingly vociferous tenants.
What does this mean for the future of the pub industry? Let us know your thoughts.