High Peak MP calls on breweries to waive rent for pubs

The MP has written an open letter to Heineken’s Star Pubs and Bars managing director asking him to support the No Pub No Rent campaign.

Several landlords in the High Peak are tenants of the large brewery – however while they are forced to close pubs are not receiving any income.

Most rent agreements are based on the pub’s turnover - yet major pub companies and breweries are refusing to waive commercial rent.

As well as concerns about rental payments pubs still have a number of costs to cover, including VAT, maintenance, insurance, and utility bills.

A spokesman for the MP told how the Government was trying to help with options such as the business rates holiday, cash grants, and frozen duties on beer, cider, wine and spirits.

However many pubs would struggle to survive if they do not receive help from breweries.

Mr Largan said: “Pubs help make life in the High Peak distinctive, vibrant, and enjoyable.

“They sit at the heart of our communities, connecting people with each other - that’s why we feel their absence so deeply during this crisis.

“Despite their own hardship many publicans are doing their bit to help the most vulnerable in the High Peak - such as delivering meals for elderly neighbours.

“To take the time to volunteer is really impressive and a testament to the spirit of High Peak communities.

“It is for these reasons that pub companies and breweries should do their bit too and support local pubs both here in the High Peak and across the country.”

He added that waiving commercial rent for pubs was ‘the right thing to do’ and would ‘make it easier for community life to return to normal when the crisis is over’.

The MP will also be writing to the heads of other major breweries and pub companies in support of the No Pub No Rent campaign and to help High Peak pubs.

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