Morrells publicans have formed a support group after being warned to prepare for tough times ahead, writes Reg Little.

Fifteen publicans attended the inaugural meeting of a tenants' group at the Gardeners Arms pub in Plantation Road, Oxford, yesterday, to discuss what the brewery's new owner may have in store.

The meeting was called by Chipping Norton businessman Sean Crowley, who believes Morrells of Oxford intends to get rid of pub tenancies.

He urged tenants to work together to secure effective legal backing, arguing that the company was aiming to create more managed houses.

Mr Crowley told them that the group's mission was to gain maximum compensation for tenants, allowing publicans to leave their pubs "at least with money in their pockets". He said: "We accept that Morrells may wish to convert to managed houses. That is the economic reality. What we do not accept is the means used to achieve conversion."

The meeting was addressed by pub tenancy law experts John Kelly and Sarah Ferdinand, of Birmingham-based law firm Ferdinand Kelly. Their firm is representing Noel Quigley, of the Jolly Post Boys pub in Florence Park, who is involved in litigation with Morrells.

Morrells chief executive Paul Beadle told the Oxford Mail: "We will continue our policy of having individual relationships with tenants."

Story date: Friday 11 February

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