By Scott Wright

LICENSED trade campaigners have hailed the progress of draft legislation that aims to boost the rights of tenants in their dealings with landlords.

The Tied Pubs (Scotland) Bill proposes the introduction of a statutory code of conduct to govern the relationship between tenants and landlords, reinforced by the appointment of a Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator. It recommends that tenants are given the option of a “market-rent-only” lease deal, meaning they could pay the market rate to rent a pub without having to buy beer from the landlord. This would effectively end the so-called beer tie. Pub tenants have long complained that the tie means they are forced to buy beer at significantly higher prices.

The Bill, which has been tabled by Labour MSP Neil Bibby, looked to be in danger last month when MSPs on Holyrood’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee voted by a majority to not support is general principles.That was before the Bill was debated in the Scottish Parliament at stage one of the legislative process.

However, the Bill made it through to stage two after 107 MSPs voted in favour. The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has praised MSP for their support.

Colin Wilkinson, managing director, said: “We welcome the positive comments made by MSPs from all parties regarding the benefits this Bill will bring to Scottish small businesses, and also thank Jamie Hepburn, the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, for his support.”

The SLTA noted that the Bill has been backed by a range of companies and organisations, including the Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland, the Scottish Tourism Alliance and Tennent Caledonian Breweries.

Mr Wilkinson added: “Reforming the tied pub sector to make it work better for small businesses is one of the important steps we can take now to rebuild our sector as the economy emerges from the current crisis.”