Mannin Retail stops paying rent for three months

Company runs the Island's Spar stores

Mannin Retail has suspended making rental payments for three months.

The company runs outlets across the Island including the Spar-branded convenience stores, to fuel forecourts and post offices.

A letter from the company, shown to Manx Radio, says the reason it's not paying rent is to "maintain our critical local food (and fuel) supply offer to the Isle of Man during these uncertain times and in the future."

Mannin Retail is part of Heron and Brearley, which has closed its pubs during the coronavirus lockdown. 

The letter also says "without these special measures landlords may not enjoy having such a healthy company as its tenant."

However, Manx Radio has been contacted by a landlord who says the non-payment of rents is unfair, and they are trying to look after their own business interests.   

Heron and Brearley says "it's not in a position to comment about ongoing commerical matters", and the business is faced with 'some difficult decisions'.