Holyrood: Tied pubs are not disadvantaged

Study into Scottish pub market recommends more conversation before legislation

The Scottish Government plans to launch a more detailed study into the leased pub sector.
The Scottish Government plans to launch a more detailed study into the leased pub sector.

LEASED pubs operating under the beer tie in Scotland are not unfairly disadvantaged when compared to independent operators, according to the Scottish Government.

Holyrood today (December 6) published the first part of its Research on the Pub Sector in Scotland, which was undertaken in response to calls for a Scottish pubs code similar to that introduced earlier this year in England and Wales.

The first ‘scoping study’ was carried out after conversations with 25 pub licensees, comprised of ten independent operators, ten fully tied outlets and five partially tied outlets as well as five pub companies. 

A more detailed study, which questioned a wider number of pubs, will follow.

The ‘scoping study’ found that, despite a “clear purchase price advantage for (independent free-trade) businesses” over their tied or partially-tied counterparts, “analysis suggests that the three cohorts are making similar levels of profits, albeit at a total trade level and not specifically beer”.

The report also revealed an inconsistency between how the Special Commercial or Financial Advantages (SCORFA) provided to lessees were viewed by the pubcos compared to their tenants. These services include PR and marketing, training and business advice.

The report commented: “The conclusion of this was that fully tied and partially tied licensees either undervalued SCORFA significantly, or did not feel that their pub company provided that level of value to the benefit – in their personal opinion.”

It concluded: “As a result, it is our consideration that further dialogue between the relevant trade bodies, government, and other interested parties, continues before any specific decision is undertaken.”

The findings were welcomed by the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, with chief executive Brigid Simmonds claiming the report has “shown clearly that the tied-model is working for Scotland’s publicans who choose to start a business this way”.

More to follow.