Scottish pubs expand beer choices for consumers

On Monday, March 31, 2025, new measures were implemented in Scotland to enhance the beer selection available in pubs. The Scottish Pubs Code aims to empower tied pub tenants by allowing them to offer a wider variety of beers beyond those supplied by their pub owners. This legislative change is being promoted by the Scottish Government as a means of supporting local breweries while reforming the current tenant-landlord relationship within the pub industry. As part of these changes, pub owners are now obligated to provide potential tenants with clearer information regarding various business costs, thus promoting transparency in the industry. An independent adjudicator for the Scottish Pubs Code has also been appointed to oversee the implementation of these measures and to handle disputes between tenants and pub-owning businesses, fostering better relations within the sector. Further regulations are also on the way, with additional changes set to roll out in June. These upcoming measures will include options for tenants to request new types of leases designed to grant them greater autonomy and flexibility in managing their pubs. This legislative push is seen as a significant boost to the hospitality sector, with supporters arguing it creates more opportunities for entrepreneurs operating in the tied pub sector. However, the initiative faced considerable resistance from some sectors of the industry. Three major pub-owning firms—Greene King, Punch Taverns, and Hawthorn Leisure Limited—attempted to secure a judicial review against the changes, indicating significant push-back. Employment Minister Tom Arthur described the new measures as a beneficial adjustment for Scotland’s hospitality market, ensuring that the interests of both tenants and landlords are properly balanced as the industry evolves, ultimately enhancing customer experience in local pubs.