Leases of licensed premises – tied public houses – forfeiture – unfair competition

(2) Unique Pub Properties Limited v Albrecht [2010] EWHC 2368 (Ch) (The Chancellor)(21 October 2010)

Issues of construction arose in these linked cases heard by The Chancellor. The cases concern the leases of two public houses The Ship and The Forest Hill Tavern. Both are tied houses. The terms of the leases require the tenant to purchase certain beers and other products from the landlord or nominated suppliers. In broad terms the prices specified by the landlord or its nominated supplier were alleged to be higher than those on offer in the open market.