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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: zirk on 14 November 2009, 14:31:41

Title: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: zirk on 14 November 2009, 14:31:41
One of my local Pubs, which I’ve been using for years now, is owned by Punch Taverns. I frequent the Pub on a regular basis and it’s not uncommon for me to leave my Car overnight, get a Taxi home all with the permission of the landlord.

This happened a couple of days back, however when I went to retrieve the Car, it was missing, went in to the Pub and asked the usual questions, no landlord around, and was told by staff that it was probably taken under a new scheme that was introduced a few days earlier by Punch Taverns, see pic.

Left numerous messages on the answer phone of the Towing Company, no replies, went back later to speak to the landlord later and was told nothing to do with him as he didn’t know that the Car belonged to me.

Got a voice mail this morning from the Towing Company saying the Car was removed because it wasn’t displaying a ‘Permission to Park’ in the window and that both the Clamp fee and Towing fee is payable together with the Daily Storage fee and the Car will not be released until full payment is met.

Tried ringing the Towing Company again, No Answer, Answering Machine. Probably going to have to wait now till Monday Morning.

In the Process of trying to contact the landlord, no, joy will probably have to wait till this evening.

Any Thoughts?

Chris (Now missing one of my MV6’s)  >:(

(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg299/zirk-photos/oof/DSC01115a.jpg)
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Martin_1962 on 14 November 2009, 14:43:44
1) Call the Police and say your car has been stolen
2) Call the morons and mention the lack of business
3) Get some LARGE mates and get your car back from the people who stole it
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 14 November 2009, 14:44:41
Ouch!! :o :o :o :o

This is going to end up being very expensive Chris! :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Jimbob on 14 November 2009, 14:47:19
not good  :'(

take it you didnt notice the new signage...
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 14 November 2009, 14:54:23
Quote
1) Call the Police and say your car has been stolen
2) Call the morons and mention the lack of business
3) Get some LARGE mates and get your car back from the people who stole it

lol I would not do that Chris!!  You will end up being done for wasting police time, and suffering even greater costs! ::) ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 November 2009, 15:13:57
what a bast*rd, punch taverns want stringing up mate, they took me for 50k on a pub i ran. >:(
hope you can get this resolved. :-/
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: zirk on 14 November 2009, 15:27:26
Quote
not good  :'(

take it you didnt notice the new signage...

No I didn't Jimbob, theres 3 Notice's, 2 of them too low to see if Cars are parked in front of them, the 3rd is on a wall towards the back of the Car Park which you wouldn't see if your parked near the Entrance (its been put up next to another Clamping sign which has been there for years,

See Pic's - Now you see them, Now you dont.

(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg299/zirk-photos/oof/DSC01116.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg299/zirk-photos/oof/DSC01117.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg299/zirk-photos/oof/DSC01118.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg299/zirk-photos/oof/DSC01119.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg299/zirk-photos/oof/DSC01120.jpg)
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: STMO999 on 14 November 2009, 15:30:45
I'm afraid they've got you by the bowlocks, but it seems like very poor customer relations. How often is the car park so full that you are depriving potential customers of a space?
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Chris_H on 14 November 2009, 15:35:59
I'm not an expert on these situations but if you're as well known to the landlord as you suggest, I would ask him to square it.

Unfortunately it's going to cost someone because the clamping firm isn't likely to be happy to give a refund.

There's no way a pub can operate like that with regulars.
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: zirk on 14 November 2009, 15:37:35
Quote
what a bast*rd, punch taverns want stringing up mate, they took me for 50k on a pub i ran. >:(
hope you can get this resolved. :-/

Says it all then,

The Notice says 'Parking is only authorised whilst you are on the premises'

So this a Large Pub Chain with a Pub in the middle of the Forest, asking you to drink our Beer and drive your Car home afterwards!  :o
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 14 November 2009, 15:45:51
Quote
Quote
what a bast*rd, punch taverns want stringing up mate, they took me for 50k on a pub i ran. >:(
hope you can get this resolved. :-/

Says it all then,

The Notice says 'Parking is only authorised whilst you are on the premises'

So this a Large Pub Chain with a Pub in the middle of the Forest, asking you to drink our Beer and drive your Car home afterwards!  :o

That is a very true Zirk, and perhaps Chris should go to the local press with his story of leaving his car because he was unfit to drive after drinking, but although showing great responsibility ended up having his car towed away by the Pub Management!  Imagine how stupid they are going to look, and how many customers they could lose! 8-) 8-) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Kevin Wood on 14 November 2009, 15:46:24
That's a real incentive not to drink and drive.  :o

They make a fortune out of selling you beer and then hold your car hostage when you take the sensible route and leave it there overnight. :o

I think you have to pay, but ensure that it is noted that you are paying under protest, make sure you get a receipt, then look at what your options are at one of the various specialist web forums such as pepipoo.

Also look at creating as much bad publicity as possible. Local paper / Watchdog, etc. might bite, as this is effectively inciting drink driving IMHO. What other option do you have if you get a little cried away and decide to do the lawful thing?

Kevin
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: zirk on 14 November 2009, 16:02:25
Quote
I'm not an expert on these situations but if you're as well known to the landlord as you suggest, I would ask him to square it.
Unfortunately it's going to cost someone because the clamping firm isn't likely to be happy to give a refund.

There's no way a pub can operate like that with regulars.

Already tried that one Chris, He's having nothing to do with it and like you say The Lifting Co are Contracters under instructions, so their going to want there money from someone, Thing the best I can do is to try an offer them a deal.

If it goes to Monday, its going to up to 535 quid.  >:(
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 November 2009, 17:15:10
ive a good mind to go to the local paper here in burton for you as this is where punch taverns base is. im sure i could stir the sh*t here for you & give em a really good name. they are disliked here enough as it is.  ;)
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Martin_1962 on 14 November 2009, 17:44:16
Take the car back - they are holding it illegally, go round with 15 or 20 large mates and the keys.

Contact local radio and press and stir it as much as possible
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: HolyCount on 14 November 2009, 18:01:20
I would claim you were authorised to park under a long standing arrangement with the landlord.
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Stevie-blunder on 14 November 2009, 19:03:00
A very similar company (might be the same one) operate at the shopping centre where my shop is. The owner of the business where the car is taken from get a good cut out of the tow away fee. If I call them out to remove a car I get £35 minimum. I haven't yet called them and won't, it's legalised robbery  >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: zirk on 14 November 2009, 19:37:51
Quote
ive a good mind to go to the local paper here in burton for you as this is where punch taverns base is. im sure i could stir the sh*t here for you & give em a really good name. they are disliked here enough as it is.  ;)

Your welcome to do that and thanks, but, let me get my Car back first  :y
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Martin_1962 on 14 November 2009, 19:56:31
Is small claims court worth pursueing?
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: zirk on 14 November 2009, 20:10:22
Quote
Is small claims court worth pursueing?

Could be Martin, plan A is to get my flipping Car back first, posted comments about going to the Media has  also been noted, thanks all.

I’ve already left a message at Punch Taverns PR dept answer phone asking them to contact me with Chairman’s Secretary Telephone number!
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 14 November 2009, 20:23:44
a bottle of fuel and a matchbox will help later for you to calm down >:(
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Martin_1962 on 14 November 2009, 20:26:32
Quote
Quote
Is small claims court worth pursueing?

Could be Martin, plan A is to get my flipping Car back first, posted comments about going to the Media has  also been noted, thanks all.

I’ve already left a message at Punch Taverns PR dept answer phone asking them to contact me with Chairman’s Secretary Telephone number!


If you were random victim I would not be so supportive, but this is a long standing arrangement and the landlord doesn't care and is a very stupid thing to do to paying customers.

I am surprised that noone has yet placed a car so it would get towed and packed it with explosives. That is the sort of thing some people I thought would do.

I WOULD NOT - I WOULD JUST SNATCH IT BACK
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Amigo on 14 November 2009, 20:32:24
A few nasty mates sounds good but i'd go to the police & explain you've tried to contact them to no avail hence you feel you're being ripped off for a daily storage charge.
    They must have an obligation to answer the phone if they take your car.

   Pay as little as you have too, leave it a year or two then exact a nasty revenge that thier ins. won't cover or violence to persons involved. I know some won't agree with the violence side but it's all they understand & let's face it the messed with your car then took the p*** so yeah why not? Just leave it a while. >:(
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: zirk on 14 November 2009, 20:34:13
Quote
Quote
Quote
Is small claims court worth pursueing?

Could be Martin, plan A is to get my flipping Car back first, posted comments about going to the Media has  also been noted, thanks all.

I’ve already left a message at Punch Taverns PR dept answer phone asking them to contact me with Chairman’s Secretary Telephone number!


If you were random victim I would not be so supportive, but this is a long standing arrangement and the landlord doesn't care and is a very stupid thing to do to paying customers.

I am surprised that noone has yet placed a car so it would get towed and packed it with explosives. That is the sort of thing some people I thought would do.

I WOULD NOT - I WOULD JUST SNATCH IT BACK

Has crossed my mind, but thats Breaking and Entering, plus no idea where the Car Pound is but guessing its well secure.
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Martin_1962 on 14 November 2009, 20:47:42
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Is small claims court worth pursueing?

Could be Martin, plan A is to get my flipping Car back first, posted comments about going to the Media has  also been noted, thanks all.

I’ve already left a message at Punch Taverns PR dept answer phone asking them to contact me with Chairman’s Secretary Telephone number!


If you were random victim I would not be so supportive, but this is a long standing arrangement and the landlord doesn't care and is a very stupid thing to do to paying customers.

I am surprised that noone has yet placed a car so it would get towed and packed it with explosives. That is the sort of thing some people I thought would do.

I WOULD NOT - I WOULD JUST SNATCH IT BACK

Has crossed my mind, but thats Breaking and Entering, plus no idea where the Car Pound is but guessing its well secure.


I bet you will get less flack for that rather than cough up over half a thousand pounds for them to give it back.

How much is a lock?

I bet the magistrates would be VERY leniant especially as it showed that you were responsible by avoiding drink driving.

NOONE likes clampers nor lifters - including the legal profession.
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: rikki_essex on 14 November 2009, 21:12:07
do what i did buy the biggest pieces of crap ever, car wise i mean. bought four cars for a tenner each park them in the pub, :y that night go take the wheels off and any thing else you can get off including bonnets tail gate and disgard them there.  cut the fuel lines fill them with rubbish  and as much manure that you can get your hands on then sit there and watch when they come to make some more money and walk over and have a good laugh at the guys while they try to get rid of them. Also put it on full lock and hand brake higher than a giraffe nuts just for good measure i certainly had fun wathcing them.
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 November 2009, 21:30:35
Quote
Quote
ive a good mind to go to the local paper here in burton for you as this is where punch taverns base is. im sure i could stir the sh*t here for you & give em a really good name. they are disliked here enough as it is.  ;)

Your welcome to do that and thanks, but, let me get my Car back first  :y
ok, i will wait. i think i will do it though. ;)
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: STMO999 on 14 November 2009, 21:35:30
Despite the usual gung-ho flying around, you are going to end up paying. It's annoying and is bound to make you angry, but it happens every day, sometimes to little old ladies who simply haven't got the necessary hundreds of pounds to pay.
Put it down to experience and dont drink there again. If you have a bunch of mates who drink there, tell them to do the same. You wont get your money back, but you may cost them a few quid in takings.
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 November 2009, 21:40:57
Quote
Despite the usual gung-ho flying around, you are going to end up paying. It's annoying and is bound to make you angry, but it happens every day, sometimes to little old ladies who simply haven't got the necessary hundreds of pounds to pay.
Put it down to experience and dont drink there again. If you have a bunch of mates who drink there, tell them to do the same. You wont get your money back, but you may cost them a few quid in takings.
so, you would just sit back & take it on the nose then
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: STMO999 on 14 November 2009, 21:42:30
Quote
Quote
Despite the usual gung-ho flying around, you are going to end up paying. It's annoying and is bound to make you angry, but it happens every day, sometimes to little old ladies who simply haven't got the necessary hundreds of pounds to pay.
Put it down to experience and dont drink there again. If you have a bunch of mates who drink there, tell them to do the same. You wont get your money back, but you may cost them a few quid in takings.
so, you would just sit back & take it on the nose then


They have the law on their side. As I said, it happens to hundreds every day. They ALL complain, they ALL end up paying. Lobby your MP.
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: The Red Baron on 14 November 2009, 21:44:03
Quote
Quote
Quote
Despite the usual gung-ho flying around, you are going to end up paying. It's annoying and is bound to make you angry, but it happens every day, sometimes to little old ladies who simply haven't got the necessary hundreds of pounds to pay.
Put it down to experience and dont drink there again. If you have a bunch of mates who drink there, tell them to do the same. You wont get your money back, but you may cost them a few quid in takings.
so, you would just sit back & take it on the nose then


They have the law on their side. As I said, it happens to hundreds every day. They ALL complain, they ALL end up paying. Lobby your MP.
good mind to blow there offices up tbh.
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: STMO999 on 14 November 2009, 21:50:20
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Despite the usual gung-ho flying around, you are going to end up paying. It's annoying and is bound to make you angry, but it happens every day, sometimes to little old ladies who simply haven't got the necessary hundreds of pounds to pay.
Put it down to experience and dont drink there again. If you have a bunch of mates who drink there, tell them to do the same. You wont get your money back, but you may cost them a few quid in takings.
so, you would just sit back & take it on the nose then


They have the law on their side. As I said, it happens to hundreds every day. They ALL complain, they ALL end up paying. Lobby your MP.
good mind to blow there offices up tbh.


The same thought runs through the heads of lots of people. But the offices are still there and the clampers are still ripping people off.
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: r1 on 14 November 2009, 21:56:17
the cheapest way forward is to pay up as each day in storage will cost you.when you pay write payed under protest on the paperwork.you can then fight landlords courts etc.
of course when you collect the car make a note of all the damage thats been done while its in "storage "and note it on the paperwork
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Martin_1962 on 14 November 2009, 21:59:47
Quote
the cheapest way forward is to pay up as each day in storage will cost you.when you pay write payed under protest on the paperwork.you can then fight landlords courts etc.
of course when you collect the car make a note of all the damage thats been done while its in "storage "and note it on the paperwork


Excellent idea :y :y
BTW I have wrecked  a clamp before - cold chisled the sod off ;D ;D
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Tony H on 14 November 2009, 21:59:53
Quote
Quote
Quote
Despite the usual gung-ho flying around, you are going to end up paying. It's annoying and is bound to make you angry, but it happens every day, sometimes to little old ladies who simply haven't got the necessary hundreds of pounds to pay.
Put it down to experience and dont drink there again. If you have a bunch of mates who drink there, tell them to do the same. You wont get your money back, but you may cost them a few quid in takings.
so, you would just sit back & take it on the nose then


They have the law on their side. As I said, it happens to hundreds every day. They ALL complain, they ALL end up paying. Lobby your MP.
That doesn't sound like the attitude of an ex pat scouser Steve  :-/ I'd of thought you would have advocated to give as good as you get. :-/
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Omegatoy on 14 November 2009, 22:06:42
I would also pay as quick as possible but be very careful as im taking it the elite is auto? if its been towed away rather than lifted then g,box damage could be the result, most of them drag them on the towtruck check very carefully around the front and rear valance mate, then sue them for mechanical/paintwork damage through ill handling, especially as without you knowing where the car is your insurance cannot cover it!! 
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: STMO999 on 14 November 2009, 22:09:00
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Despite the usual gung-ho flying around, you are going to end up paying. It's annoying and is bound to make you angry, but it happens every day, sometimes to little old ladies who simply haven't got the necessary hundreds of pounds to pay.
Put it down to experience and dont drink there again. If you have a bunch of mates who drink there, tell them to do the same. You wont get your money back, but you may cost them a few quid in takings.
so, you would just sit back & take it on the nose then


They have the law on their side. As I said, it happens to hundreds every day. They ALL complain, they ALL end up paying. Lobby your MP.
That doesn't sound like the attitude of an ex pat scouser Steve  :-/ I'd of thought you would have advocated to give as good as you get. :-/

If you bang your head against a brick wall, it will hurt.
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 15 November 2009, 00:53:44
This is going to be interesting.

They state £40 a day for storage, but yet you cant contact them.

So they make you pay the £80 for Saturday and Sunday but dont give you access the reclaim your car.

I would film the retrieval/collection of your car. point out all the facts you can and then off to the the pubs head office, then the small claims court and forward a copy of the video to watchdog.

The Barstewards.  :-/
Title: Re: Punch Tavern Muppets and my Towed MV6
Post by: zirk on 15 November 2009, 01:29:38
Quote
This is going to be interesting.

They state £40 a day for storage, but yet you cant contact them.

So they make you pay the £80 for Saturday and Sunday but dont give you access the reclaim your car.

I would film the retrieval/collection of your car. point out all the facts you can and then off to the the pubs head office, then the small claims court and forward a copy of the video to watchdog.

The Barstewards.  :-/

Thats not a bad idea, this business of not answering the phone on a Friday afternoon is really a good money spinner, 40 quid a day equals an easy 120 quid come Monday morning if not more!

Chris  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(