Fundamental changes are needed to the Pubs Code for England and Wales, CAMRA has said, citing ‘serious concerns’ about its operation and effectiveness.
The campaigning organisation, which supports pub-goers is calling for the Code to include more types of tenancies and give licensees the right to serve a guest beer.
It is also pushing for the ‘ongoing issue of dilapidations’ to be addressed, for the requirement for pub companies to publish information about rent assessments, and to give the Pubs Code Adjudicator more power and resources.
It calls for change follows new research from CAMRA which found that most licensees (73%) with regulated tenancies do not feel that they are treated fairly or lawfully.
“It’s vital that the Pubs Code works as originally intended by Parliament so that tied tenants are guaranteed fair and lawful dealing, and that they are no worse off than free of tie tenants – particularly given the challenges currently faced by the whole pub trade,” CAMRA’s campaigns director Nick Boley said.
“I hope that government takes this opportunity to make substantive changes to the Code and create a fairer system that works for licensees and consumers, as well as pub companies.”
