Scots may soon enjoy a broader range of beers at their local pubs, thanks to the introduction of the Scottish Pubs Code.
This new legislation, effective from Monday, empowers tied pub tenants to offer beers beyond those supplied by the pub-owning companies.
The measures aim to bolster tenants’ rights and protections while fostering opportunities for local breweries.
Additionally, pub-owning businesses are now required to provide prospective tenants with detailed information about business costs.
An independent Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator has been appointed to oversee disputes between tenants and landlords.
Further changes set for June will allow tenants to request alternative lease agreements, offering greater flexibility and control over their operations.
Employment Minister Tom Arthur said: “This is a good deal for Scotland’s hospitality sector.
“We are rebalancing the relationship between pub tenants and pub-owning businesses, making it easier to do business and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs in the tied pub sector.”
While the rules faced opposition from some pub-owning firms, including Greene King, Punch Taverns, and Hawthorn Leisure Limited, their judicial review attempts were unsuccessful.
