SCOTTISH brewers campaigning for an end to the beer tie in the pub trade have declared the way is clear for ministers to scrap the controversial practice in Scotland.

The tie has been traditionally used by major pub companies to ensure their tenants can only buy beer from them.

MPs voted to scrap the tie in the Westminster parliament late last year under an amendment to the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill in November.

Now brewers in Scotland, including Tennent Caledonian Breweries, Harviestoun, Fyne Ales, and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association day amendments made to the legislation in the House of Lords this week signal that Scottish ministers have the power to end the tie.

They say ending the tie will boost the pub trade by giving tenants the freedom to buy beer at market rates.