Judge appointed vice-chairman of pub disputes service

A senior circuit judge and former head of chambers, the Honourable Trevor Barber, has been appointed vice-chairman of the Pubs Independent Conciliation and Arbitration Service (PICA Service).

The PICA-Service was set up by the Pubs Independent Rent Review Scheme (PIRRS) - which was created to provide a low-cost rent review resolution service.

It complements the work currently carried out by PIRRS by handling disputes of all issues other than those concerning rent.

"The appointment of Barber into the important position of vice-chairman further demonstrates the independence and integrity of the PICA-Service," said Bernard Brindley, chair of PIRRS and deputy chairman of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII). "His vast knowledge, experience and impartiality, enhances the authority of the PICA-Service and its board."

As vice-chairman, Trevor Barber will share the responsibility for chairing PICA-Service hearings and meetings with the chairman, Rodger Vickers, a chartered surveyor and a chartered arbitrator who was appointed to the post in January.

PIRRS and the PICA-Service are supported by five of the industry's leading associations: the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the BII, the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations (FLVA) and the Guild of Master Victuallers (GMV). The PICA-Service reports to the PIRRS Board.

Pub conciliation service opens for business >>

Rodger Vickers named new chairman of PICAS panel >>

By Neil Gerrard

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