We’ll pull no punches when it comes to pints
Calls for new legislation to give pub bosses a fair deal
12.01.2018 Bar bosses should have more choice over the range of drinks they stock, MSP Neil Bibby has claimed.
The Labour man has called for new legislation to protect licensees in tied-pubs from being forced to buy booze from landlords.
He insists large companies are taking more than is fair by refusing to allow beer from other breweries to be sold.
Mr Bibby has tabled a bill opening up the market for proprietors.
He said: “This proposal is about fairness, choice and jobs.
“Fairness for tied pub tenants, choice for Scotland’s pub-goers and jobs in the pub and brewing industries.
“My bill would reset the relationship between tied licensees and their landlords, giving tied tenants in Scotland similar rights to those in England and Wales, and it would make it easier to bring locallybrewed products into the tied pub sector.
“Too often tied deals are one-sided and uncompetitive.
“With a broad coalition behind the bill and backing from an overwhelming 93 per cent who responded, this consultation has demonstrated very clearly that the sector has to change.
“I have now formally lodged my proposal and I am asking MSPs of all parties to work with me to deliver a much-needed change in the law and a fairer deal for Scotland’s tied pubs and the brewing industry.”
Bar managers can be forced to buy at least one product from companies owning their business — known as pubcos.
Tenants often have a contractual obligation to buy some, or all, drink from the firm, which can restrict the choice of beer, cider, wine and spirits available.
It can also mean they are forced to sell more expensive measures.
Licensees in England and Wales already benefit from legislation ensuring they are given more options over what to stock.
Mr Bibby set out his motion this week to allow bosses more access to the market.
The License Trade Federation is supporting the bill.
And The Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) backed the plans after surveying almost 300 tenants across Scotland.
Sarah Bellis, CAMRA director for Scotland, revealed almost all wanted a change in the rules.
She said: “Many pubs in Scotland are struggling because pub companies take more than is fair or sustainable from tied licensees’ profits.
“Licensees are further hit by paying above market value for rents and consequently struggle to make a living, contributing to pub closures across Scotland.
“We therefore fully support Neil Bibby’s Pubs Code Bill, which calls for a powerful pubs code to govern the relationship between pub companies and their tenants to ensure licensees are treated fairly.”