“I supported the proposal for the inclusion in the Pubs Code of a Market Rent Option for large pub companies when it was tabled earlier this month. I believe that it is fairest to pub tenants for rents to be determined on the open market and the proposal would open up new opportunities for small breweries.

 

Yesterday the Government tabled an amendment that provided for the introduction of the Market Rent only option after 2 years, if after a review the measures already in the Bill to ensure pub companies behave well towards their tenants were found to be ineffective.

 

I received representations from the Independent Family Brewers of Britain, as well as Greene King who own many pubs in west Suffolk, expressing concern that New Clause 2 would have a significant impact on their businesses and could lead to pub closures and job losses.

 

Taking in to account these representations, I concluded that whilst fully supportive of the objectives behind New Clause 2, a trial period would be appropriate before a Free of Tie Option could be introduced and I therefore did not vote for it. 

 

I anticipate that the matter will be subject to further debate as the Small Business Bill progresses through Parliament and I shall take account of all views and evidence if there is a further vote in the Commons.”