Commenting on today’s publication of a Government consultation on a statutory adjudicator for the pubco/tenant relationship, Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said:
“It is vital for our members that the tied house model works well for both partners, so we are fully prepared for the model to be tested. It is one of the best small business partnerships, for shared investment, shared business development, and job creation, which makes it good for the pub sector and Britain’s pubgoers.
“BBPA members are determined to tackle problems where they exist, as we have been doing, through the system of self regulation that the industry has set up.”
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Notes to editors:
For further information please contact:
David Wilson: Public Affairs Director Tel: 020 7627 9151
Neil Williams, Head of Media Tel: (020) 7627 9156 / 07974 249 779
Gareth Barrett, Public Affairs Officer Tel: (020) 7627 9154
Notes to editors:
The British Beer & Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 96 per cent of the beer brewed in the UK and own half of Britain’s 50,000 pubs.
Background:
In January, the BBPA published Version Six of the Industry Framework Code, the cornerstone of a system of self-regulation in the sector, following constructive dialogue between those representing pub and brewing companies with tied estates, and multiple retailers who are tenants and lessees.
BBPA members have agreed to implement the reforms in the new code. Version Six provides greater transparency for tenants and lessees and seeks to tackle a range of more commercially sensitive issues. New reforms include:
· Companies which operate more than 100 leases will be required to publish an annual statement of Code compliance which will be externally audited
· Greater clarity is provided around insurance and a commitment to price-match on like-for-like policies
· A clear commitment that income from AWP machines can only be shared once and will not also be included in the rent assessment
· A schedule of conditions which clarifies obligations on any remedial work required
· Common formats for shadow profit & loss accounts and rent assessments
· An improved protocol on flow monitoring equipment
The Code also reflects a commitment to establish a new Regulatory Board to oversee the corporate governance of BIIBAS, which accredits all company codes, and the PIRRS and PICA-Service panels, which have already been successfully established and provide independent, low-cost arbitration services for rent and other disputes.
Neil Williams
Head of Media
British Beer & Pub Association
020 7627 9156
07974 249 779