About us
The Pubs Code Adjudicator is responsible for enforcing the statutory Pubs Code. The Pubs Code regulates the relationship between all pub companies owning 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales and their tied tenants.
About us
The Pubs Code is a law which protects tied pub tenants of the largest pub companies. Tied pub tenants are those that must buy some or all the alcohol from their landlord.
The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) makes sure the pub companies follow the Pubs Code.
Contents
Pubs Code
The Code applies to pub companies owning 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales. These companies are:
- Admiral
- Greene King
- Marston’s
- Punch Pubs
- Star Pubs & Bars
- Stonegate (trading name of Ei Group)
In the Pubs Code, these companies are called pub-owning businesses (POBs).
The Pubs Code makes sure pub companies deal with their tied tenants fairly and lawfully, and that tied tenants are no worse off than if they were free of tie.
It makes sure tied tenants receive information from their pub company at important points, such as before taking on or renewing a tenancy and when reviewing the rent. Other rights include the option for the tenant to price match the premises insurance. In certain circumstances under the Pubs Code, a tied tenant can break the tie by taking the Market Rent Only (MRO) option.
The PCA has published a one-page summary of Pubs Code rights and more detailed factsheets.
The Pubs Code legislation can be found on legislation.gov.uk. It includes:
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The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015
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The Pubs Code etc. Regulations 2016
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Amended by: The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 and Pubs Code etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2022
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The Pubs Code (Fees, Costs and Financial Penalties) Regulations 2016
PCA role
Fiona Dickie is the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA).
The PCA has two main functions:
- Regulating the tied pub tenant and pub company relationship under the Pubs Code
The PCA has published information about the PCA’s approach to regulation and legal powers, and regulatory action the PCA has taken.
Powers include issuing advice and guidance to pub companies and investigating suspected breaches of the Pubs Code. Where breaches are found following an investigation, the PCA can take a range of enforcement measures against the pub company, such as making recommendations and issuing a fine.
- Arbitrating Pubs Code disputes
Pubs Code disputes can be resolved through arbitration, though strict time limits apply. When a dispute is referred for arbitration, the PCA will either arbitrate or appoint another arbitrator to do so.
Arbitration referrals are managed by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators on the PCA’s behalf.
The PCA can only help to settle disputes which are in scope of the Pubs Code. For other matters, a tenant should refer to their pub company’s complaints procedure or take independent legal advice.
Arbitrations are confidential, which means the PCA will not discuss the case with others. The PCA has legal powers to request information or documents from an arbitration for regulatory purposes. In doing so, the PCA will maintain the confidentiality of the arbitration.
The PCA publishes most arbitration awards, either in full or where the parties do not consent, usually in an anonymised summary. Arbitration awards and decisions of the High Court where awards have been appealed can be read here
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Access our information
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Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Find out About our services.