The Pubs Code
The Pubs Code regulates the relationship between all pub companies owning 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales and their tied pub tenants.
The regulated pub companies are Admiral, Greene King, Marston’s, Punch Pubs, Star Pubs and Stonegate. Under the Pubs Code these companies are called pub-owning businesses (POBs).
Tied pub tenants (sometimes abbreviated to TPT) are those that must buy some or all alcohol (beers, wines and spirits) from their landlord.
The Pubs Code is a law introduced by Parliament in 2016 to address serious and long-standing concerns about the relationship between large pub companies and their tied tenants.
The Pubs Code supports two core principles:
- Fair and lawful dealing by pub-owning businesses in relation to their tied pub tenants.
Tied pub tenants should be no worse off than they would be if they were not subject to any product or service tie.
You can find out more about the Scottish Pubs Code by visiting the Scottish Government's website.
If you are a tied tenant of a pub company owning fewer than 500 tied pubs, your pub company may have agreed to abide by the voluntary code of practice overseen by the Pub Governing Body. Find out more on the PGB's website.
The Pubs Code – Legislation
The Pubs Code legislation can be found below:
Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015
The Pubs Code etc Regulations 2016
The Pubs Code regulations should be read alongside the amendments.
The Pubs Code (Fees, Costs and Financial Penalties) Regulations 2016
