Pubs Code Adjudicator welcomes 1st anniversary of new law for tied pub tenants
PCA marks 12 months since the introduction of the Pubs Code
The Pubs Code giving tied pub tenants more rights and protections reaches its first anniversary today. Paul Newby, the Pubs Code Adjudicator, said: “Today is a major milestone for this new law which has brought significant change to the pubs sector.
“Parliament has given new rights to tied pub tenants of the largest pub-owning businesses. Over the past 12 months interest in the Code has been high and I am pleased that tenants have been exercising their rights.
“As the first PCA, it is my responsibility to ensure that the Code delivers its important rights and protections for tied tenants. I am committed to providing fair, accurate and timely information to tenants about their Code rights, and access to effective and impartial redress when things go wrong.
“At all times I have gone, and will go, where the evidence takes me when arbitrating, investigating and enforcing the Code.
“Today I have published on the PCA website my first annual report covering the initial nine months of operation. This describes among other activities the work to set up the PCA office, engagement with tenants and other stakeholders, and progress on arbitrations up to 31 March.
“On Wednesday I will be publishing updated figures showing the impact of the Pubs Code over the past year. This release will include information on the number of enquiries received by the PCA Enquiry Line over the past year and the number of cases referred to the PCA for arbitration. For the first time I will indicate the proportion of referrals that relate to each pub-owning business as the figures have now reached a point where I am satisfied we can protect the confidentiality of individual cases.
“This first-year data contains significant figures and shows the sector is engaging robustly with the new law.
“I know that there are concerns within the tenant community about the way the Code has operated and some frustration over the time that arbitrations can take to resolve. But the PCA must deal with all cases in an impartial and lawful manner. To do otherwise would simply increase the risk of legal challenge with the inevitable consequence of greater delay and cost.
“But as that new law beds in, cases are completed and key issues determined, I am confident that I will be able to report further progress in the coming year.
“Year 2 of the Code will be another busy year, but I am convinced that it will also be when the Pubs Code comes into its own and demonstrates the tangible benefits and real options it gives to tied tenants.”