Scottish Pubs Code

In March 2025, The Scottish Pubs Code Regulations was introduced by the Government and applies to all pub owning businesses, such as Stonegate, who tied pubs in Scotland. The Pubs Code is based on the core overriding principles of fair and lawful dealing by pub owning companies in relation to their tied tenants, tied tenants should not be worse off than they would be if they were subject to neither a product tie nor a service tie and that any agreement between a pub owning company and a tied tenant should fairly share the risks and rewards amongst the parties.

The Scottish Pubs Code ensures that tied publicans: Receive the information they need to make informed decisions about taking on a pub or making a change to their existing agreement. Can have their rent reassessed every 5 years. Can request a Market Rent Only option to go free of tie or a Guest Beer Option in specific circumstances.

You can view a copy of our Scottish Pubs Code Guide here and a copy of the Scottish Pubs Code legislation here.

MRO and Guest Beer

The Scottish Pubs Code sets out the circumstances and process under which a tied tenant is entitled to request a Market Rent Only agreement or a Guest Beer.

Further information on the MRO and Guest Beer process is set out in the Scottish Pubs Code and in our Scottish Pubs Code Guide.

Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator

The Scottish Pubs Code is overseen by the Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator (the SPCA) who is in place to ensure compliance with the core principles. This includes arbitrating individual disputes, investigating suspected breaches of the Code and providing advice and guidance about the Code.

The SPCA can provide you with information about your rights, the Code and its processes. They cannot however advise you about your individual circumstances.

The contact details for the PCA are as follows:

Website:           https://www.gov.scot/groups/scottish-pubs-code-adjudicator/

Call:                   0300 244 1225

Email:                pubscodeadjudicator@gov.scot

Write to:           Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator

Saughton House

Broomhouse Drive

Edinburgh, EH11 3XD

Professional Advice

We would always encourage our publicans to take independent, professional and qualified advice from accredited trade bodies in relation to their individual rights under the Pubs Code.

The British Institute of Innkeeping provide a list of professional advisors on their website which you can access here.