PCA demands support for pub tenants

The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) has called on all pub-owning businesses not currently waiving rent to demonstrate how they will support their tenants as the coronavirus crisis continues. 

The authority said it is currently aware of five pub companies, regulated under the Pubs Code, that have not yet waived any rent for tenants of their pubs. 

The companies in question are the largest in England and Wales, with each operating “at least” 500 tied pubs.

The PCA has now made contact with all of the regulated pub companies in order to “explore what they are doing, and what more they can do, throughout this emergency period to support their tenants”. 

It said: “While recognising that they are all facing their own uniquely difficult challenges during this period, there is an opportunity now for them to demonstrate leadership to the wider industry and to show that they will go as far as anyone to protect each tenant and how they will do that.”

The authority stressed that the pandemic is creating a “threat to the livelihoods of tied tenants”. 

It has therefore urged all pub companies to give their support to tenants to enable them to “survive in their pubs and to return to profitability” once the crisis has passed.