IPC 'concerned' by pubcos' slow progress
Trade umbrella group the Independent Pub Confederation (IPC) has raised concerns with MPs about the implementation of new pubco codes of practice.
The group, which collectively represents the likes of CAMRA, Fair Pint, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers and the Federation of Small Businesses, has submitted a written update to MPs on how companies are tackling improvements to the pubco model.
In the report, the IPC raises concerns about the length of time it has taken for pubcos to update their codes - in line with the British Beer & Pub Association's (BBPA) framework code - claiming 80 per cent of members failed to hit the initial deadline.
It also adds its is "disappointing" that the BBPA has not indicated if action will be taken to encourage members who have yet to comply to do so.
Elsewhere in the report - submitted to MPs on the Business, Innovations and Skills committee which has been investigating the relationship between licensees and landlords - the IPC raises other issues regarding the codes.
"We have some concerns that tenants may be being asked to sign codes of practice at the time they are presented and perhaps without the guidance that legal advice should be sought," it states.
And adds: "We have yet to see an adequate response in a company code to the committee and government's concerns about the nature of the beer tie and the machine tie."
The BBPA, BII and Royal Chartered Institute of Surveyors have also submitted reports to MPs.
In the BBPA's submission it states 97 per cent of pubco members have either had their codes approved or are in the final stages.
It also informs MPs that members have "introduced a range of new agreements and initiatives to offer prospective tenants/lessees" which include free of tie options.
And in its update the BII says it is now looking to "strengthen our work in all areas, but perhaps especially the support for new entrants, extending our mentor scheme and training."
RICS provides an update on a benchmarking service which aims to pool data from across the industry to help "both tenants and pubcos assess fair and sustainable rents for tied and non-tied pubs".
Read the full submissions from the groups at BIS publications
