Scottish Beer and Pub Association - Scottish Pubs Code – Scottish Beer and Pub Association

In July 2016, the SBPA launched a new Scottish Code of Practice which governs the relationship with between pub companies and tenants operating under a lease-and-supply agreement, traditionally known as the beer-tie.

It is the first specifically designed for Scotland, with previous voluntary codes covering the whole of the UK, despite having markedly different pub environments. The code was put in place protect investment in pubs, ensure the publicans are protected themselves and to continue to give the nation’s young people unrivaled opportunities into business ownership.

The code covers approximately 700 pubs – public houses with a contract with a specific pub company or brewery.

The Scottish Code of Practice is available to view here or by clicking on the image below:

On the launch of the code, SBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds said:

“This is fundamentally a good thing for Scotland’s pubs, our economy and most importantly, our young people.

“The tied-pub model gives Scotland’s young people the opportunity to start and run their own business, in a fun, exciting and hugely rewarding sector. An opportunity which just doesn’t exist in other industries. Already, over 24,000 people under-25 are employed in the beer & pub industry, with many of them choosing to run their own pub through the tied model. The nature of the relationship with the pub company also means that these young entrepreneurs have access to a range of benefits, as well as the safety-net of being able to rely on the support and guidance of seasoned professionals.

“Across Scotland we have success stories, where young entrepreneurs have worked in tandem with pub companies to create businesses which are the lifeblood of the communities they serve. This code helps ensure that pub industry continues to lead the way in creating the next generation of Scottish entrepreneurs.

“The code also gives publicans using the tied model to run their business, guaranteed protections and rights. While adding to the already strong-confidence in the Scottish market for pub companies and breweries, ensuring continued investment in Scotland’s pubs. That investment is going directly back into the local economy, creating jobs and lifelong career opportunities.”