Be sure to look before you leap into MRO

But for now, we’re digesting the ramifications of the code and assessing the industry reaction to it finally being implemented.

I would urge caution on the part of tenants and encourage them to fully assess their options before leaping head first into the promised land of the market rent-only option (MRO).

For many tied tenants, the opportunity to go free of tie will be seductive and appealing, and for some it could be a fantastic move that could help their businesses soar.

However, I repeat my call for caution: every business is different and I would urge calm assessment about what is right for your business before making that leap.

To a certain extent, the MRO is your own personal Brexit situation – you’re being presented with a choice in which you can go it alone, standing on your own two feet, or you can remain tied to the pub company, with the options of support (I can hear the cries of outrage at the back!) the tie offers.

Yes, I know the cynical response is that the tie offers nothing, but being presented with an option means the pubcos will need to sharpen up their offer – being tied has to offer benefits to both parties going forward. Hopefully, we’ll start to see some real progress in this area.

Going it alone does sound great and, for some skilled operators, it’s a terrific option – but don’t forget what it means. You’ll be master of your own destiny, yes, but with that comes all the responsibility for keeping the business running.

This isn’t a pro-tie, or pro-MRO opinion – this is a pro-pub point of view. I want the best option for each and every business. All I’m calling for is a calm and considered approach to making that decision.