BII to toughen pubco code scheme

The BII has promised to toughen its scheme that benchmarks pubco codes of practice for clarity.

The three key changes to the BIIBAS scheme will be:

1) Publishing accredited codes on the both the BIIBAS website and the companies' own websites so interested parties can access them

2) Publishing quarterly reports of how well landlords have performed against their codes

3) Re-accrediting codes annually, subject to the successful outcome of an audit

The move has been agreed by members of the BIIBAS steering committee following discussions with pubcos over the past 12 months.

The new structure will be in place by September 2009, BII said. The group anticipates more than a dozen pub companies and breweries will sign up to the revised scheme initially, with more following in due course.

The BIIBAS scheme, which sees pubco codes of practices tested for clarity, has come under fire in recent weeks, particularly over the case of Punch host Dave Mountford.

The GMB union called the BII "disingenuous" for not removing the BIIBAS stamp from Punch's code after allegations of poor treatment by the pubco.

BII chief executive Neil Robertson said: "The BIIBAS steering committee agreed that these changes will provide a more robust benchmarking service, thus creating a win:win situation.

"Participating pub companies will benefit from the improved profile and competitive advantage of their open communication. Meanwhile, existing, and new licensees will also have a much clearer understanding of the business relationships they are entering into.

"There is always scope to further update the scheme as befits the needs of the industry - the success of any scheme such as this is dependent on its ability to evolve and adapt to suit the current climate."

So far Punch, Enterprise, Marston's, Fuller's, Trust Inns, Batemans, Charles Wells Pub Company and St Austell have achieved the BIIBAS stamp on their codes.