Open consultation

Statutory review of Pubs Code and Pubs Code Adjudicator 2022 to 2025

Applies to England and Wales

Summary

We are seeking views and evidence which will allow the government to assess the Pubs Code’s operation and the Pubs Code Adjudicator’s (PCA's) performance.

This consultation is being held on another website.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 provided for the establishment of the Pubs Code to regulate the relationship between large pub-owning businesses and their tied tenants in England and Wales.

The Act requires the Secretary of State to review:

  • the operation of the Pubs Code
  • the performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA)
  • the regulations setting the PCA’s costs, fees and financial penalties

As part of the review, we invite additional views and evidence from stakeholders to help inform the review’s conclusions. 

We will also consider a range of evidence to inform a post-implementation review of the Pubs Code including views and evidence submitted from stakeholders. Under the Better Regulation Framework, the Department for Business and Trade is expected to complete a post-implementation review of the primary legislation and subsequent regulations. This review will consider the costs and benefits of the regulations since its implementation.

The post-implementation review will consider:

  • the Code’s impact since it came into force in 2016
  • the extent to which the regulation is working
  • if the policy has achieved its objectives
  • whether the intervention is the most appropriate approach
  • if intervention and regulation is still required

We will process your personal data in accordance with all applicable data protection laws. See our privacy notice.

Documents

Updates to this page

Published 22 May 2025

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