Pubs code: Trade bodies band together to offer support to licensees

Leading trade bodies the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) and the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association (FLVA) have come together to offer licensees support and guidance on the statutory pubs code.

The three organisations will be holding a series of seminars across the country to bring the trade up to speed on the legislation. The first event, which will be held on 26 May in London and will cover transitional agreements for licensees facing a rent review or a lease renewal this year.

Read: A comprehensive Q and A on the what the pubs code will mean for your pub from the ALMR, FLVA and the BII

Places will be free to ALMR, BII and FLVA members and will cost £50 for non-members.

The three organisations have also produced a detailed briefing paper on the new regulations and a case study based Q&A document which will continue to be updated in response to members’ queries and concerns.

ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The introduction of the Code will be one of the biggest changes that the sector has had to face. It is therefore very important that licensees are fully aware of their obligations and opportunities and that the change is made is simple as possible.

“That is why we have worked quickly to produce detailed guidance to licensees grappling with the legal complexities of the new regime. We want to make sure that those affected by the new legislation are well informed and have reliable information with which to make decisions which will have far reaching consequences for their business. We have a very short time frame before this new law hits and lessees have to be prepared from day one.”

FLVA operations director Martin Caffrey added: “It is important that we have clear, consistent information and advice which independent tenants and lessees can rely upon. By working together in partnership, we are providing that”.