Restaurant boss loses his appetite for bankers

Published on Friday 23 July 2010 12:02

A RESTAURATEUR is banning bank managers from his eateries because he claims businesses are being "unfairly treated" in the credit crunch.

Aggrieved Tony Pia, 33, is now waging a one-man campaign against the fat cats by prohibiting them from dining in his restaurants. He also plans to launch a "name and shame your bank manager" banner above one of his city centre premises.

The businessman, who owns the Rat Pack Piano Bar and La Piazza Italian restaurant, both on Shandwick Place, is calling for an "intelligent revolution" against the banks.

"I'm not asking for money, I am asking them to be more civilised in the way they do things," he said.

"I have been with Royal Bank of Scotland all my business career which started at 16 years old. I wake up every morning and try to contribute to society.

"I'm showing losses right now, which in this climate most business seem to be, and the banks are coming down really hard on us."

Mr Pia said he has never missed a monthly repayment to the banks but was being "pressurised" because his two businesses have been losing money in recent months.

"These guys are squeezing me because I'm now showing a loss," he said. "This is the first time that has happened. I am doing a good job running my businesses and work hard for it, and to have to put up with some guy trying to tell me what to do and when to do it is not on.

"I have never been treated by an organisation the way I have with this bank."

The entrepreneur claims Royal Bank of Scotland has passed on his accounts to Global Restructuring Group in a bid to manage his outstanding loans after he "fell out" with the bank. In June, he complained to the financial ombudsman over loan repayments.

He issued a clarion call for businessmen facing similar hardships to join his protest.

"If you are having a problem with your bank manager, come and tell me," said Mr Pia. "You have to give me proof of who you are, then tell the name of your bank or commercial manager and it will be added to the name and shame banner.

"If someone in either of my restaurants comes to me and says they are a commercial bank manager they will be asked to leave on that basis.

"It's house rules on licensed premises who I allow to be in there."

He added that he hopes to attract community backing for his campaign.

"People should support businesses that speak out against things like this," he said. "If people support me because I'm speaking out it will help to offset some of the problems I'm expecting to face with the banks as a result of my stand. They can take the properties from me and my business but I'm more worried about losing my dignity and pride."

Mr Pia said not all banks would be targeted in his injunction and staff at firms such as Clydesdale and Handle would be exempt from the ban.

Speaking about Mr Pia's proposals, an RBS spokesman said: "We are focused on supporting our business clients through these difficult times. We would be delighted to met with Mr Pia to discuss any issues regarding his finance."