One month left to ‘decide future’ of Scotland’s pubs

by XPRESS, 04 July 2017

There is one month remaining for pub-goers to contribute to a consultation that could “help to protect the pub industry for years to come”, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has said.

The consultation, brought forward by Neil Bibby MSP, will investigate whether a Pubs Code and Adjudicator is needed in Scotland to govern the relationship between tied pub tenants and the large pub companies.

It will also consider whether a Market Rent Only (MRO) option should be introduced. The consultation follows reforms across England and Wales last year that saw the introduction of a Pubs Code, Adjudicator and an MRO option following ten years of campaigning by CAMRA and other trade bodies.

Sarah Bellis, CAMRA director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “For far too long, large pub companies have been taking more than is fair or sustainable from pub profits by forcing licensees to buy their beer from them rather than on the open market.

Furthermore, there is no set code of practice in place or independent arbitrator available if a licensee has an issue with that pub company. We’re hoping all beer-lovers will use this opportunity to show the government that licensees in Scotland deserve the same level of support as those in England and Wales.” Bibby added: “Tied arrangements pose a real threat to our pubs and bars so it’s important we take this opportunity to protect them.”

The proposed Tied Pubs (Code and Adjudicator) (Scotland) Bill consultation closes on Monday, 31 July. For more information and to respond to the consultation, visit www.protectourpubs.scot.