THE Protect our Pubs campaign, launched last year by Labour politician Neil Bibby, is gaining momentum as it seeks to establish a pubs code and pubs code adjudicator for Scotland to “help bring fairness to the industry”.
The MSP for West Scotland, who is also a member of the Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Beer and Pubs, has put forward a Private Member’s Bill – the Tied Pubs (Code & Adjudicator) (Scotland) Bill – that has gained the support of the SLTA, GMB Scotland, CAMRA and a number of industry bodies.
“This proposal is about fairness, choice and jobs,” said Bibby. “Fairness for Scotland’s publicans, greater choice for pub customers, and an opportunity to protect and create jobs in Scotland’s pub and brewing industry.
“Scottish pub tenants should have the ability to opt out of the tied arrangements if they wish,” he continued. “I know from speaking with tied pub tenants in my own area in the west of Scotland how one-sided these arrangements can be.
“Access to a fair and reasonable market rent for premises, without strings attached, should be a right for Scottish publicans. They will then be free to source and purchase products as they see fit, on the same basis as other pubs in Scotland, and pubs in England and Wales.”
Pointing to “tough times” for the pub sector, Bibby said: “Scottish licensees who choose to opt out should have the flexibility they need in a crowded and competitive marketplace to react to changes that could affect their business – from new pubs opening in their area to changes in the way people socialise. My proposal would give them that flexibility.”
SLTA chief executive Paul Waterson applauded the MSP for bringing the Bill forward. “It is not acceptable that tenants in England and Wales have statutory rights and protection and Scottish tenants do not,” he said. “We urge all Scottish licensees to support their tenant colleagues and respond to the consultation.”
Over the last month, the Protect our Pubs campaign group has been driving awareness of the Bill among tied tenants and engaging with consumers at the Paisley Beer Festival. The campaign said: “Support for the Bill is growing but more responses to the Bill’s consultation are needed to make the campaign a success.
“We would urge you to respond to the consultation for the bill at www.protectourpubs.scot and encourage the Scottish Government to legislate positively on the issue of tied pubs.”
If you are supporting the campaign on Twitter, please use the hashtag #ProtectourPubsScot.
Image: SLTA chief executive Paul Waterson with Neil Bibby MSP and Ray Turpie of the Campaign for Real Ale