Camra wins transparency fight with pub regulator

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has been victorious in its battle for transparency with the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA).

The Pubs Code was introduced by the government in 2016 entitling tenants to more rights and greater protection when dealing with large pub companies that own tied pubs.

After the Adjudicator refused to release information on the performance of the Code, Camra took its request to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which ruled in Camra's favour.

The organisation is now calling for a full government review to address key issues that have arisen since the code came into operation.

Camra's national chairman Jackie Parker said: "We welcome the decision from the ICO, and the release of this information by PCA is an important step in our fight to secure a fair arbitration process for pub tenants, and ultimately save viable pubs from closure.

"Openness and transparency will not only help tenants navigate the market rents only (MRO) process more easily, but will help build confidence in the code which has been subject to criticism since its launch in 2016.

"Now that the PCA has released the requested information following the decision notice, we hope the PCA recognises the benefits of transparency in the MRO process and exerts pressure on pub companies to waive confidentiality over arbitration awards. This is essential to give tenants visibility of vital principles being established through the arbitration process."

In a submission to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee in June, Camra claimed national pub companies are exploiting gaps in the Pubs Code legislation and not abiding by the spirit of the code.

The submission called for "urgent changes" to the Code and argued for an immediate review, including a consultation involving pub tenants and other industry stakeholders.

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