Memorandum submitted by Punch Taverns

 

Punch Taverns is pleased to respond to the DCMS Committee Inquiry into the Licensing Act 2003.

Originally established in 1997, Punch Taverns plc is now the largest pub company in the UK, with approx 7,560 leased and 850 managed licensed premises across England and Wales. Punch Taverns is the Premises License Holder for the majority of these premises.  Any legislative reform that could help to remove or reduce the excessive burden of red tape for our Licensees is welcomed.

The pub sector contributes over £22 billion to the economy and employs in the region of 600,000 people. Over 80% of pubs (i.e. nearly 50,000 outlets) are small businesses which are independently managed or run by self-employed licensees.  The provision of food has become increasingly important to pub businesses over the last decade, and the pub food market is currently estimated to be worth in the region of £6 billion per annum. 

 

We would like to confirm that Punch Taverns fully endorses the response which is being submitted to the DCMS Select Committee by the British Beer and Pub Association and we hope that you will fully take into account their evidence.

September 2008