Tied tenants of Star Pubs have been asked to come forward over suspected breaches of the Pubs Code which span a six-year period.
Pubs Code adjudicator Fiona Dickie
The Pubs Code adjudicator (PCA) has been made aware by Star Pubs that notes of key operational discussions between tied tenants and their business development manager (BDM) may not have been sufficient, completed within the required timescale (14 days), or provided at all.
The issue relates specifically to notes of discussions in connection with rent negotiations, repairs, and business planning. It is a right for tied tenants under the Pubs Code to receive appropriate notes of these business-critical meetings with anyone representing the pub company.
The PCA has been informed by Star Pubs that this issue relates to notes from meetings that happened between 2018 and 2024.
The PCA is calling on affected current and former tied tenants to get in touch with the Star Code Compliance Officer (CCO) and the PCA via email before 19th August to share any evidence that this happened to them, and any resulting impact on their business. The PCA will consider any responses in deciding any regulatory action it may take.
Further details of the call for evidence can be found on the PCA website here.
