A businessman has called on one of the biggest pub companies in the country to do more to help their managers by lowering booze prices and rent.

Sanjay Raval was running four Medway pubs all owned by Enterprise Inns (EI), but says he was forced to close the Waggon at Hale, in Capstone Road, Chatham, on Monday, August 9.

The pub has now been secured with metal hoarding.

Mr Raval’s lease with Enterprise Inns means he pays rent and buys his drinks from the same company, despite prices often being cheaper elsewhere.

He said: “I approached EI two years ago asking for help. I would like to see a level playing field and competitive beer pricing, as it is I could buy cheaper beer at the supermarket but I’d be fined by Enterprise if I was caught selling it.

“I think my company will survive but if Enterprise carry on the way they are, they have the power to finish us off completely.”

A spokeswoman for the company said: "Enterprise Inns do not discuss the private and confidential matters which may arise in its business relationships between the company and its licensees.

"However in relation to the closure of the pub this was entirely Mr Raval's decision."

For the full story see Friday’s Medway Messenger.