There is no such thing a low cost entry into the trade. info man's observation about a high cost exit is on the mark.

I just spent most of the day (I took a day off work) calling tied licensees up and down the country asking them about their circumstances and how they feel about their current position.

Stark reports mostly, of hand to mouth struggle, with not an upbeat report among them.

The notion that some people have that these people deserve what they get because they did not read the lease or that they don't know how to run a business is offensive. These people are suffering penury due to unscrupulous pubco practices pure and simple. Very distressing.

Make your stand for fairness here: http://www.fairpint.org.uk/lobbyday_signup.html

and get YOUR MP involved in the Fair Pint Lobby day on Wednesday 20 May.