Pub talk was doing the rounds

By Simon Tostevin

THE announcement that 21 pubs across Guernsey are being put up for sale by Sandpiper came as no surprise to those in the sector. Guernsey Licensed Victuallers’ Association president Peter Leigh said rumours had been doing the rounds for a while, but added that it could be a good thing.

‘With what has happened in the last few years we were expecting it and I think it would be quite pleasing if some of these pubs were sold as free houses.

‘I think a lot of pubs over here would have a chance if they were free houses rather than being tied to a brewery.’

Along with the pubs in Guernsey, 42 are on sale in Jersey and the Marais Hall and Coronation Inn are being let go in Alderney.

Jersey Brewery and drink distribution businesses Bucktrout and Victor Hugo are also for sale.

Guernsey Hospitality and Tourism Group chairman Chris Sharp said the move had been expected and was surprised that it had not happened sooner.

‘I was under the impression that Sandpiper’s major strength was retail, so there were rumours that a few were going to be sold at some point.

‘Their focus is really more about the retail side of things rather than food and beverages.’

But Mr Sharp was positive about what it could mean for the 537 employees across the islands.

‘If a business ‘CI Traders’ is sold to the type of business Sandpiper is, then these things are inevitable and I don’t think it’s a big surprise that the great empire is being split and sold.

‘But in a perverse way, there’s possibly more stability with someone coming in and buying them as a going concern. The people interested in buying these businesses are going to have a specific interest in making them perform.’

Sandpiper chief executive Tony O’Neill denied it had always been a foregone conclusion that the company would be selling off assets and concentrating solely on retail.

‘The reality is that there have been rumours about every element of our business.

‘All we have been doing is evaluating every part of it. As we were doing that, the hospitality businesses were getting a lot of unsolicited offers.

‘We feel retail and food services is what offers us the greatest potential, just like I’m sure whoever buys the pubs sees the same opportunities for them.’

London corporate finance advisers McQueen Ltd will handle any sales, which are expected to be completed early next year.