John Baron MP votes to support the great British pub

MP says measures will benefit publicans and pub-goers

Yesterday in the House of Commons, John Baron MP voted against the Government for New Clause 2 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill. This amendment seeks to support pubs by allowing landlords tied to large pub companies an independent rent review at regular intervals, and by allowing them to buy their beer on the open market. Though opposed by the Government, the amendment was nevertheless successfully passed with cross-party support by 284 votes to 259, and was backed by the Campaign for Real Ale and the Federation of Small Businesses.

John said,

“This is an excellent result for our pubs, which are often a hub for our local communities, and should start to address the issues which have led too many to close. The freedom to buy beer on the open market should benefit publicans and pub-goers alike.”

Tim Page, Chief Executive of the Campaign for Real Ale, said,

“After 10 years of our campaigning, MPs have voted to introduce a market rent only option for licensees tied to the large pub companies – a move that will secure the future of the Great British pub.”