House of Commons Library publishes pubs code summary report
The report examines the proposals for regulation, and provides a useful summary of recent developments, as well as key points made during last year’s committee stage of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill.
The Bill is now in the House of Lord for further scrutiny following MPs historic vote in November to include a market-rent only (MRO) clause for tied tenants.
The clause means that companies with more than 500 pubs and at least one tenanted/leased site will have to offer a MRO option at certain trigger points, including lease/tenancy renewals, rent reviews, change of terms or change of pub company.
The Government has accepted the outcome of the vote, with the focus now on making the option workable and to minimise the risks of unintended consequences. Peers will discuss amendments during the Bill’s committee stage in the coming weeks.
The House of Commons Library provides impartial information and research services for MPs and their staff in support of their parliamentary duties. These briefing papers offer an independent summary of facts on subjects of interest, particularly legislation proceeding through Parliament.
