Pub landlords in Wrexham need Government help to reform their industry, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has told the Commons.
During an Opposition Day debate on the Pub Industry called by the Labour Party yesterday, Mr Lucas called on Business Secretary Vince Cable to ensure that statutory legislation is introduced to ensure the industry is reformed to work for landlords and pub goers rather than the large pub companies.
He asked Mr Cable: “Will he confirm that he now believes that statutory regulation is necessary?”
In reply, Mr Cable said:
“That was the purpose of the Government consultation. Statutory regulation was necessary, and we consulted on how to do it. We are now evaluating the results of that process. The House will soon hear our conclusions on how to take the matter forward.”
A long-term campaigner for pub reform, Mr Lucas has met with landlords and small breweries in Wrexham, visited local pubs and brought the Chairman of the Business Industry and Skills Select Committee Adrian Bailey to the town to hear from those who work in pubs. He has previously spoken of the importance of changing the practice of the “Beer Tie”, which limits the range of choice pub landlords can offer – and suggested that making the change could help small-scale breweries around Wrexham.
Speaking after the debate, he said:
“It is encouraging that the Government has accepted the need for change and are looking to bring in statutory regulation of the industry.
“However, it was striking that Vince Cable was unwilling to commit to a timetable for bringing in any legislation – and time is running out for this Government to make any changes. It is vital that campaigners keep the pressure up on the Government to make the changes the industry needs.”
