MRO: Online rent calculator to reveal whether better off free-of-tie

The Pubs Advisory Service has unveiled its free online rent calculator, which allows tied tenants to see whether they will be better off under a tied or market rent only model.

Users enter details of their businesses, including turnover, food sales and rent to receive a breakdown of tenant and pub company profit under the two systems.

Fair Pint campaigner Simon Clarke said: "In the past, tenants have been unaware of their position and the calculator means they will in a stronger place to negotiate their positions. The situation has been that where pub companies say your rent will be X amount because of all the services we provide you.

"Some tenants are paying for these services without ever using them and that's not how it should be. Transparency and clarity are absolutely key. 

The calculator is based on the legislation outlined in the government’s draft code, with a longer and more detailed version of the calculator to be launched later in the year.

The Pubs Advisory Service (PAS) launched a market rent only advisory service earlier this year to help explain the new legislation to licensees.Industry stalwart and publican Bill Sharp, who recently retired after 40 years, urged the industry last week to work together to ensure the smooth implementation of the code.

"Discussions about the detail of the code are set to resume over the summer, with a further consultation planned for the autumn.

To see how your business will fare and use the calculator, click here