Call for views on Tied Pubs Bill as stage 1 opens

The member's bill which aims to strengthen the rights of pub tenants is to be scrutinised by Holyrood's Economy, Energy & Fair Work Committee.

Views are invited on the Tied Pubs (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Labour MSP Neil Bibby, which would introduce a Scottish Pubs Code allowing those running tied pubs more of a say in their business, supported by an independent adjudicator system.

The bill also seeks to improve choice for consumers, by making locally brewed products more accessible in tied pubs. (Click here for news item.)

Among the points on which the committee would welcome comments are:

• whether legislation in this area is necessary;
• whether the dill achieves its aim of improving the relationship between pub-owning businesses and their tenants;
• whether the bill might impact on investment in the pub sector in Scotland;
• whether the proposed code should apply to all pub owning businesses and tenants in Scotland;
• the role, and funding, of the adjudicator;
• whether the bill will avoid problems experienced with similar legislation in England & Wales. 

Committee Deputy Convener, Willie Coffey MSP said: "With around 750 tied pubs in Scotland, we want to know what impact this legislation would have on local businesses and the communities that they are at the heart of.

"We want to hear from pub landlords, tenants and brewers to understand if changes need to be made."

Click here to read the call for views. The deadline for submissions is 15 April 2020.