New Pubs Code to protect tenants comes into effect

A new code providing tenants in tied pubs with more rights and greater protection has now come into effect.

The Pubs Code covers businesses that own 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales.

It gives around 12,000 tenants new safeguards such as increased transparency about the tied deals available, a fair rent assessment and the right to move to a free-of-tie tenancy in certain circumstances.

The first ever Pubs Code Adjudicator, Paul Newby, oversees the operation of the code and will arbitrate disputes and investigate breaches.

Business Minister Margot James said: “The Pubs Code will improve relationships across the industry and help tied tenants get a fairer deal. I want to take this opportunity to urge all tenants and pub companies to work with the Pubs Code Adjudicator, as well as one another, to do what’s best for Britain’s pubs.

Pubs Code Adjudicator Paul Newby said: “I completely understand and appreciate that there are tied tenants out there struggling to make a living as a result of bad deals with their landlords.

“This goes right to the heart of why the code really matters – it is about giving more rights to tenants who need to provide for their families and keeping thriving pubs open for local communities to enjoy.”

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