Andrew Dismore

Hendon’s Conservative MP last night voted in Parliament against the needs of local pubs in Hendon and across Britain by voting against a new code proposed by Labour to support small landlords and give consumers greater choice.
An estimated 26 pubs are closing each week in Britain and the large chains of pub companies (PubCos) have been accused of giving landlords a raw deal, with many paying over the odds for their alcoholic products.

Labour brought ministers to the House of Commons in an Opposition Day debate to demand that the Government introduces legislation in this year’s Queen’s Speech to support local pubs. Labour ‘s Andrew Dismore, parliamentary candidate for Hendon is calling for legislation to introduce a statutory code to protect small landlords and ensure they are no longer exploited in their relationship with pub companies. A statutory code is being supported by a broad coalition including the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the Federation of Small Businesses and trade unions.

Andrew Dismore said: “As campaigners have demanded, the code must include a free-of-tie option, open market rent reviews and an independent pubs adjudicator. This would give every landlord the choice to go free-of-tie, allowing licencees to operate in a more competitive market.

“It is a disgrace that Hendon’s Conservative MP has once again let done his constants’ and small business in Hendon by voting against these sensible proposals.

“Pubs are vital hubs for communities in Hendon and are valued strongly by local people, but due to the Conservaive -led government’s inaction and broken promises on backing small landlords, they are closing at an ever-increasing rate, including here in Hendon.
“This costs jobs, especially for young people, and hits the local economy by an average of £80,000 each time a pub shuts.
“We need to back our local pubs. That’s why, a year after ministers promised action on this issue which still hasn’t materialised, Labour again called for a statutory code to be put in place, including a non-tied option for publicans.
“It’s time for the Tories to take real action to support small landlords otherwise our area risks losing more pubs, and more jobs.”