Enterprise accused of ‘moral blackmail'
Enterprise Inns has been accused of "cowardice, moral blackmail and misrepresentation" by the national committee of the National Association of Licensed House Managers (NALHM), part of the Transport and General Workers' Union.
Last month the leased and tenanted pub operator bought 432 managed pubs from Scottish & Newcastle for £260m and 439 pubs from Morgan Grenfell for £262.5m.
It has approached the managers of the pubs and asked them if they would like to take tenancies.
Peter Love, national officer of the NALHM, said he had received more than 60 calls from managers "reporting threats, intimidation and downright moral blackmail".
According to Love, one woman was told to "think again" when she declined to take a tenancy. He also said prospective tenants were given just a week to decide whether to take a tenancy.
"Why does this have to be done in such haste? It makes me wonder if the company has overstretched itself. Our advice is, don't be threatened and don't be intimidated," he said.
Gordon Harrison, field operations director for Enterprise Inns, said: "We strongly refute the allegations and are working closely and on an individual basis with those house managers who have chosen to transfer to us.
"Those managers who have yet to decide what to do and would like to discuss their plans with the company we would encourage to contact their area manager, who will ensure that time is set aside to deal with this on a confidential and individual basis."
by Sara Guild
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 16-22 August 2001
