A new statutory code will now give pub landlords running tied pubs new rights to help them get a fair deal from pub companies, and the rules will be enforced by an independent adjudicator with the power to punish pub companies that break them.
Tied tenants usually have to pay a higher price for beer from the beer company they rent from. This should be balanced out by reduced rents or other benefits – but this has not always been the case, putting some tied pubs at a disadvantage.
The new rules will address that, meaning that landlords will be able to request a rent review from pub companies if it has been five years or more since the last one. Landlords will be also be given the right to review the information used by pub companies to justify any rent increase.
In addition, landlords tied to pub companies with 500 or more tied pubs will be able to request an additional rent assessment to show if they are worse off than pubs with no tie., and pubs will have the right to decide if they are tied for gaming machines as well.
Steve Brine said: "I am delighted that action is being taken to support tied pubs across Winchester & Chandler's Ford, giving pub landlords peace of mind they'll be able to get a fair deal on their rent. We all know that pubs are an important part of local life, sitting at the very heart of our community and creating jobs for hardworking people, and I am so proud that the Conservatives in government are standing up for them."
Pictured; Steve Brine supporting the Winchester Real Ale & Cider Festival with the (then) Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Richard Izard