Calls for change in law over ‘tied’ pubs

SCOTS are being urged to participate in a consultation on changing the law to give so-called “tied’’ pubs more choice over what they sell.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said the move would boost the struggling industry at a time when many community pubs are under threat.

She is backing Labour MSP Neil Bibby’s draft proposals for a member’s bill to help the esti- mated 1,000 pub landlords in Scotland who have a “tied’’ arrangement with large companies that own them, often known as “pubcos”.

These require landlords to buy some or all of their products from the companies, which can restrict the choice of beer, cider, wine and spirits for drinkers, and can force pub tenants to sell more expensive drinks.

More relaxed rules were intro- duced in England and Wales from May 2016, and while there is a voluntary code in place in Scotland, critics say this does not go as far as the statutory arrangements south of the border.

A consultation on Mr Bibby’s planned Tied Pubs Bill runs until July 31.

Ms Dugdale said: “I fully support Neil Bibby’s proposed Bill for tied pub reform in Scotland and urge people across Scotland to respond to the consultation.

“Times are tough for the Scottish pub industry at the moment, with many local community pubs under threat of closure.

“This proposal to allow Scottish pub tenants to opt out of their tied arrangements if they want to could help give the industry a real boost.

“It would give publicans the flexibility they need in a crowded and competitive market place.”