PCA creates new support site for tied tenants

A new website has been created by the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) to help tied tenants access support around their business.

The new independent website pubscodeadjudicator.org.uk provides tied tenants with refreshed resources and aims to provide a clearer understanding of the Pubs Code and the independent role of the PCA. 

As part of the launch, the PCA has created a new brand identity, which it says will "cement its independence" and help the PCA be more visible in the industry. 

"It is vital that tied tenants are able to understand their rights under the Pubs Code and that they can easily access business critical information in a simple, digestible format," says PCA Fiona Dickie. 

"We have listened to their feedback to create a fit-for-purpose, new resource. This is more than just a new, bright look for the PCA. It is paramount that we not only have a website that gives tied tenants better support, but one which demonstrates the independence of the PCA’s arbitration service, offering binding dispute resolution for Pubs Code disputes."

What does the PCA do? 

The PCA is responsible for enforcing the Pubs Code, a law which protects the rights of tied pub tenants of the six largest pub companies in England and Wales – Admiral Taverns, Greene King, Marston’s, Punch Pubs & Co, Star Pubs and Stonegate Group.

"To do our job effectively, we must be at the heart of the tied pub trade and have the trust of tied tenants to work independently of the pub companies and government," adds Dickie. "I spend as much time as possible out and about, including at trade shows, discussing the impact of the Code and its effectiveness with tied tenants and licensees, industry leaders and pub-owning businesses. But ultimately, having the right resources accessible in an instant on phones, tablets and laptops is one of the best ways we can help tied tenants understand how the Pubs Code protects them."

Views from tied tenants and other industry representatives were collected to inform the requirements for the new site. 

Tied pub tenants will be able to find the PCA’s suite of accessible factsheets, guiding them throughout their tenancy – from the very beginning before agreements are signed, through their tenancy and to the end of their term. 

The PCA’s current presence on gov.uk will remain live to host transparency information such as corporate reports.

The PCA's Annual Tied Tenants Survey, which seeks the opinion of more than 1,200 tied tenants to monitor satisfaction levels with pub companies, has concluded. Results are benchmarked against previous years and will be published at pubandbar.com in June.

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