HIGHWAYMAN Dick Turpin and angry publicans have demonstrated against high pub rents and beer prices ahead of a Witney publican’s eviction.

The event was prompted by plans to evict Simon Moore, who says he has been unable to pay bills at The Chequers Inn, in Corn Street.

But the 38-year-old, who lives above the pub with his family, was yesterday given a reprieve until June 4, to allow him time to find a new home.

About 15 people, including fellow publicans, campaigners and a man dressed as the highwayman, demonstrated outside his pub yesterday.

The event was organised by the GMB union and called for lower rents and beer prices for tenants tied to pub companies.

Mr Moore, who has run the pub for 12 years, said: “It is good to see that there are people out there fighting for a freer future for publicans.”

Mr Moore, who closed the pub on Sunday, said his debts to Enterprise Inns amounted to about £30,000 and he was facing bankruptcy.

He said the recession, smoking ban and VAT increases had led to a decline in customers and, despite requests, Enterprise had not lowered his rent.

His lease was due to end in August, but Enterprise Inns agreed to cut it short.

Mr Moore added: “I am feeling relieved. We are no longer getting dumped on the street.”

GMB spokesman Dave Mountford said: “The Government is undertaking a consultation process at this time which has the full support of Labour and Lib Dems, but not the Conservative Party.”

The union is calling for the proposed legislation, which would lower rents for tied publicans, to apply to all pub companies. It currently would only apply to those with more than 500 premises.

An Enterprise Inns spokesman said: “Enterprise does not discuss the private and confidential matters between the company and our publicans.”

He added: “We work with thousands of successful publicans who recognise the benefits of the tied pub business model.”