That's why we're supporting pub licensees by backing the Fair Deal for your Local campaign. We know that many landlords are struggling to survive in challenging times and the added financial pressures imposed by large pub companies – or pubcos – is putting them at serious risk of going under.
A fairer deal, by offering a market rent option, would result in the average tied pub being £4,000 better off annually – and they need this help now more than ever.
Get involved in the campaign
Alongside the Fair Deal for Your Local campaign, we're calling for an end to the overcharging of pubco tenants through high rents and excessive beer prices. The campaign is also pressing for a code of practice and an official adjudicator with the power to bring pubcos to task when they don't stick to the code.
And it recently received a boost with a pledge of support from the GMB, the largest trade union in the country, which represents thousands of licensees across the country. In fact, business groups, consumer groups, unions, MPs, publicans and members of the public have all got behind the cause, demonstrating just how important ‘the local' is to communities and the economy alike.
When the consultation on pub companies and tenants closed on 14th June, it had gained an impressive 5,500 responses.
To find out more about Fair Deal for Your Local, visit www.fairdealforyourlocal.com or find them on Twitter @FD4YL.
Practical support for licensees
The event will run from 9.30am to 12pm at the Forum's head office in Knutsford, Cheshire. Get directions here. To find out how the Forum can help your pub or bar, or to reserve your place at our free event on 25th July, call us on 0845 130 1722 and choose option 2.
You don't have to walk far these days to find a boarded up pub. In fact, back in May the number hit a record 26 closures per week, causing continuing damage to high streets and communities across the country
