Beer tie end is a landmark victory for beer drinkers, pubgoers and licensees, says Campaign for Real Ale boss
CAMRA is delighted that, after 10 years of our campaigning, MPs have today voted to introduce a market rent only option for licensees tied to the large pub companies – a move that will secure the future of the Great British Pub.
The government was defeated by 284 votes to 259 with MPs from all parties voting in favour of a new clause to the Small Business Bill that will empower pubco licensees to choose between a tied agreement and a market rent-only agreement that will allow them to buy beer on the open market.
Allowing more than 13,000 pub tenants tied to the large pub companies the option of buying beer on the open market at competitive prices will help to keep pubs open and ensure the cost of a pint to consumers remains affordable.
The large pub companies will no longer be able to charge their tenants prices of up to 60p a pint higher than open market prices.
This simple choice should spell the end of pubco licensees being forced out of business through high rents and tied product prices.
Thank you to the 8,000 Camra members and campaigners who lobbied their local MP to help make this happen and to those MPs that voted to support pubs. Camra are now urging the government to accept the outcome of the vote.