by Alan Smith

A publican fears that high rent costs may force him out of business.

Paul Wratten, the landlord of the Cherry Tree in Tonbridge Road, Barming, is in last-ditch negotiations with the freehold owners Enterprise Inns.

If a deal cannot be agreed, Mr Wratten said he may have to put the remainder of his secured lease on the market and leave the trade.

Mr Wratten, 47, who has been at the Cherry Tree for seven years, has 10 years left to run on his tenancy.

But at a recent rent review, he says Enterprise wanted to increase his annual rent from the initial £32,000 to £46,800 per annum.

He said: “I told them that figure was impossible and they have since reduced the sum to £36,000, but even that is too much.

"Most pubs have suffered a 7% dip in trade as a result of the recent economic downturn. My accountant says I can’t even pay as much as £32,000 based on the pub’s turnover.”

Vicky Averis, of Enterprise Inns, said rents were assessed in accordance with guidance published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and agreed with new publicans before they enter into a lease agreement then renegotiated at rent reviews.

She added: “We do not discuss the private and confidential matters which may arise between the company and its publicans, however, the publican of the Cherry Tree has not advised us that he intends to sell his interest in the lease agreement under which he occupies the pub.”