The 2022 tied tenant survey, which included more than 600 participants, also showed there was variation across the pub companies covered by the code – Admiral, Greene King, Marston’s, Punch Pubs, Star Pubs & Bars and Stonegate.
Admiral had the most satisfied tenants (80% with 13% dissatisfied), while Punch had the least satisfied (47% with 29% dissatisfied).
Of the tenants who started their tenancy with their pub company since the code came into force, more than three fifths (67%) are satisfied with the relationship and just under one fifth (18%) were dissatisfied.
Furthermore, the survey also looked at tenants’ awareness of the code, their rights and the pubs code adjudicator (PCA).
Survey results
It found three quarters (76%) of the tied tenants surveyed thought their BDM was fair in discussions with them but fewer tenants were satisfied with their handling of repairs to the pub premises.
Under a third (27%) of Stonegate tenants thought t heir BDM handled repairs well, compared to 72% of Marston’s tenants and 62% of Admiral’s.
In addition, the survey showed awareness of the pubs code has increased with 79% now aware of the legislation – up 11 percentage points from 2019.
More than half (53%) of tenants were also aware they have the right to price match their premises insurance under the pubs code.
However, awareness of the code compliance officer who verifies the pub company’s compliance, was low.
Awareness of the PCA did increase from 2019 – up from 47% in 2019 to 54% this year.
Performance comparison
PCA Fiona Dickie said: “The pubs code is bringing real benefits in the tied pub trade, as I believe these survey results show.
“They enable the industry to compare the performance of the different pub companies for the first time and enable those pub companies to see where they must do better.
“This survey also enables me to see where I need to focus my energies to continue bringing change to this unique industry.
“Pubs sit at the heart of our communities and the tied relationship needs to work well and to the satisfaction of tied tenants. I am encouraged by the progress being made.”
The Morning Advertiser contacted each of the pubcos but had not received a response at the time of publication.
