RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS

Early day motion 331, tabled 17 December 2008 by Greg Mulholland (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 45 members.

That this House is appalledat the use of restrictive covenants by pub operating companies, where a pub or licensed premises is sold with a condition of sale preventing the premises from being used as a pub in the future; believes that this is a scandal whereby the company concerned is taking an entirely self-interested decision permanently to shut pubs against the wishes of the community served by the pub simply to serve their own commercial interests; believes that this is against free and fair competition, andprevents other operators, individuals or co-operatives taking on such pubs; is further concerned that this will lead to the permanent closure of many community pubs up and down the country, when these pubs could be successful if another operator were allowed to run them; is aware of the benefits which pubs bring to their local community, particularly as a social hub and meeting point; and callson the Government to act to outlaw the use of restrictive covenants on pubs and prevent the permanent loss of even more pubs from high streets and communitiesacross the country.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 18, Conservative 5, Independent 1.