BBPA asks trade groups to "positively engage" over new code

The British Beer & Pub Association says its wants other industry groups to "positvely engage" with it on its new industry code, in the light of...

The British Beer & Pub Association says its wants other industry groups to "positvely engage" with it on its new industry code, in the light of the today's MPs' report.

Reacting to the Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) committee report on the pubcos, the group said in a statement: "We invite wider industry groups to positively engage with, and work in partnership on, this programme for change and improvement."

It added: "We are determined to address the issues raised in the BIS report head on, by raising standards and putting into practice the new framework industry code.

"Companies will apply both the letter and spirit of that code in their own individual company codes within the next few months.

"This will deliver greater transparency to prospective tenants and lessees, more information, training and a low cost independent rent review panel for existing tenants and lessees.

"These are the essential building blocks for a new and constructive relationship."

The BBPA said it recgonised the committee had give it time to implement its code and would be prepared to meet the committee "at any stage" to "discuss progress".

Meanwhile Kate Nicholls, secretary of trade umbrella group the Independent Pub Confederation, echoed the need for industry groups to work together.

She said: "The BBPA's Framework left three-quarters of the committee's recommendations unaddressed and we would urge them to work with us now to tackle the outstanding issues. Only then can we step away from our call for the government to intervene to ensure a robust legislative and regulatory framework to deliver the free and fair market we demand."

She added that that the group welcomed the report and " its recognition that too little has been done too late to merit a clean bill of health".