1st ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT
Pub Sector – England & Wales TENANTED Code of Practice (1-499 Tied Pubs)
Pub Sector – England & Wales LEASED Code of Practice (1-499 Tied Pubs)
Pub Sector – Scotland Code of Practice
INTRODUCTION
The first annual audit of companies operating tied public houses covered by the above code(s) of practice was carried out over September-October 2017.
This is the first audit to take place since these new codes of practice came into effect for those companies operating 1-499 tied leased or tenanted pubs, and/or tied pubs in Scotland. The audit covers the period 21st July 2016 – 31st July 2017. A full list of those companies covered by each code can be found in Annex A.
The new codes replaced the Industry Framework Code of Practice version 6, due to the introduction of the Pubs Code Regulations 2016 which established a statutory code of practice for companies operating 500 or more tied pubs.
Under the Industry Framework Code of Practice (IFC), three annual audits had been carried out of those companies covered by the IFC that operated over 100 leases. These companies are now covered by the Statutory system and are therefore no longer applicable for this audit. Therefore, this audit is not comparable with the previous IFC audits, as the companies covered are different.
Those companies not covered by the Code (i.e. those operating under 500 tied pubs) and the Pub Governing Body agreed that the good practice enshrined in the Industry Framework Code should continue, and therefore developed the three new Codes based on the IFC, with additional improvements and elements being brought up to date. In Scotland, which is not covered by the Statutory Code, the majority of companies operating tied pubs have signed up to the bespoke Scottish Code (which was created for the first time specifically for the Scottish tied pub sector).
This report has been prepared by the Pub Governing Body, and summarises the data received from the audit, which will be carried out on an annual basis going forward.
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD
The year covered by this audit saw the transition from a full self-regulatory system for tied pubs, to a mixed voluntary and statutory system overseen by different bodies.
Following this first audit of the new self-regulatory codes, and taking into account that this is a new set of companies being audited against the codes for the first time, the Board is pleased to see a high level of compliance, as evidenced by the data below.
Of particular note was the high level of compliance regarding business plans, and the number of rent reviews settled within the audit period. On BDM training, it was noted that there was an issue with the availability of BDM trainers and training courses, with some companies finding it difficult to access training. This is an area where the PGB, led by the BII, is taking action by setting up a working group of companies, trade bodies and tenants to address this issue.
Sir Peter Luff, Chairman of the Pub Governing Body, said:
“The results of this annual report underlines the crucial role the Pub Governing Body continues to play following the implementation of the statutory Pubs Code.
“We are pleased to see strong levels of compliance from the companies governed by these Codes and will continue to monitor and review the codes themselves to ensure they remain relevant to both companies and tenants. Where issues have been raised, such as access to BDM training, the Board is taking action to address this in time for the 2017/18 audit taking place later this year. “The Board has also worked with other stakeholders to ensure PIRRS is available for those tenants covered by the statutory Code, in addition to those governed by self-regulation.”
HEADLINE STATISTICS – ENGLAND & WALES
The full list of companies covered by the respective codes can be found in Annex A.
Pubs surveyed
Code compliance
Rent reviews
Business Development Managers
PIRRS and PICA-Service
‘Protected’ agreements
HEADLINE STATISTICS – SCOTLAND
The full list of companies covered by the respective codes can be found in Annex A.
Pubs surveyed
Code compliance
Rent reviews
Business Development Managers
PIRRS and PICA-Service
‘Protected’ agreements
PGB
March 2018
ANNEX A – SIGNATORIES TO THE CODES
England & Wales
Adnams plc
Arkell’s Brewery Limited
Camerons Brewery Limited
Charles Wells Limited
Daniel Batham & Son Limited
Daniel Thwaites plc
Everards Brewery Limited
Frederic Robinson Limited
Fuller Smith & Turner plc
George Bateman & Son Limited
Gray & Sons Limited
Hall & Woodhouse Limited
Harvey & Son (Lewes) Limited
Hawthorn Leisure Limited
Heavitree Brewery plc
Hook Norton Brewery Company, Limited
Hyde’s Brewery Limited
J.C. & R.H. Palmer Limited
J.W. Lees & Co. (Brewers) Limited
Joseph Holt Limited
Liberation Group Ltd/Butcombe Brewery
McMullen & Sons Limited
Mitchells & Butlers plc
NewRiver Retail Limited
St Austell Brewery Company Limited
S.A. Brain & Company, Limited
Shepherd Neame Limited
Timothy Taylor & Co. Limited
Trust Inns Limited
WH Brakspear & Sons Limited
Wadworth and Company Limited
Young and Co’s Brewery plc
Scotland
Admiral Taverns Limited
Belhaven/Greene King plc
Hawthorn Leisure Limited
Punch plc
Star Pubs & Bars/HEINEKEN UK Limited
Trust Inns Limited
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