Punch Taverns attacks "punitive" Government measures threatening the British pub

Apr 30 2009 By Henryk Zientek

David Wigham, operations director covering Huddersfield, said pubs in the region were hoping to benefit from a long, hot summer and the increased number of people choosing to holiday at home.

He said: "A trip to the pub is still an affordable luxury.

"We are making sure we have the right people operating a welcoming, clean pub with a strong customer service ethos."

Mr Wigham said Punch had invested heavily in helping leaseholders tailor their pubs to their local communities, adding: "Where our leaseholders are providing what their local market wants, they are doing well."

Punch has helped pubs invest in areas such as Wi-fi to attract business people and "off-the-shelf" food products for pubs without catering kitchens.

Among its local pubs, Punch had invested £100,000 in improvements at The Royal, Kirkburton, and £80,000 to install catering facilities at The Black Bull, Shepley.

Other Punch outlets include Isaacs in Huddersfield town centre, the Cavalry Arms in Birchencliffe, the Railway in Honley, the Golden Cock in Farnley Tyas, the Jolly Sailor in Dalton and the Flower Pot in Mirfield.

Mr Wigham said a survey for the company showed that the price of drinks came seventh in the 10 top factors influencing customers’ decisions to visit a particular pub.

He said: "Price is important, but it is not the most important. Things like providing clean toilets and a friendly atmosphere were regarded as more important.

"We want to see the pub remain as a part of the local community."

Punch’s results showed that like-for-like profits fell by 11.3% at its leased pubs against a 12% decline announced in January.

Like-for-like sales at its managed pubs fell by 0.9% compared with a 2.5% fall for the first 20 weeks of its financial year.

Punch said its priorities for 2009 included strengthening its operational management teams, improving cash flow and reducing debt.

Chief executive Giles Thornley said Punch remained on track to meet its expectations for the financial year.

But he said: "Our business is dependent on the sustainable future of the British pub. Despite the economic challenges, we have responded quickly to provide assistance to our licensees and to protect the future of as many of our pubs as possible."