Government rejects industry push to dilute pub code but eyes tenancy reforms

In a written statement to Parliament, ministers affirmed that the Pubs Code Adjudicator has been broadly effective following a statutory review that began in 2022. While rejecting industry demands to dilute the overall regulatory framework, they acknowledged specific areas where the code could be improved, particularly for tied-pub tenants who rent from large groups. The government signalled openness to reforming tenancy provisions for tied pubs.

Kate Dearden cited reductions in arbitration cases and the completion of the first formal investigation under the code as key achievements. She also urged the PCA to act on six improvement points identified in the review. Meanwhile, the PCA has launched a statutory investigation into Stonegate, the UK’s largest pub group, over alleged breaches of the code. The government plans to develop proposals aimed at strengthening the code’s effectiveness.