BBPA pleased with code of practice response

By Matt Eley Matt

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Recession Bbpa

British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Brigid Simmonds has received a "positive" response to the organisation's new code of...

British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Brigid Simmonds has received a "positive" response to the organisation's new code of practice agreement.

Details of the agreement, which have been backed by the BII and the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations, were revealed after mediation talks between trade bodies broke down.

But the BBPA unveiled a series of commitments in its code of practice which pubcos will take on board, including:

  • Showing transparency in regards to beer prices
  • Make clear the company's policy for setting rent
  • Establish levels of competence for BDMs

Since then the BBPA has been sharing the content with the government, MPs and regulators.

Simmonds said: "People are responding positively to our code agreement. They recognise it as a significant step forward, which will deliver real change and improvement for all licensees.

"They also recognise that while the industry did need to make changes, the issues of the economic downturn, record recession, over-regulation and excessive taxation are the most significant factors depressing licensee incomes and driving pubs out of business.

"I would urge everyone in the industry to take time to consider our code agreement and get on board. It's far more important to work together on what we agree on, than try and find differences. As the OFT report stated, we are all in this together."

She added: "Ultimately we will be judged on our actions. All our member companies, from the largest to the smallest, are committed to implementing these changes.

"They are determined to work alongside their licensees so that we all emerge from this economic downturn stronger. They are as deeply committed to the future of the great British Pub as they are proud of their pub heritage, one they have been building and developing for more than 200 years."

Related topics Legislation

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