BBPA: pub code ready by early December

The new code of practice for pubcos will be available in full by the time of the Business and Innovation Select Committee hearing on 8 December, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has promised.

In response to a challenge from the Fair Pint campaign to publish its new Framework Code on the Granting of Tenancies and Leases within 24 hours, the BBPA insisted it was right to take its time to ensure the detail is correct.

It also believes that the BISC (formerly BEC) is the right place to reveal the full details of its new code because it is a "direct response to the shortcomings in our sector highlighted by the Committee".

The code will be mandatory for all BBPA members from 1 January 2010.

The BBPA has stressed the difference between the agreement it reached with the BII and Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations (Pubcos set out 'fundamental reform' plans​) and the actual code, which will put flesh on the bones of the agreement.

Fair Pint had threatened to release the agreement today on its website, which has yet to be published.

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds stressed the core elements of the agreement and code had been provided on two separate occasions for MPs and for the Government, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), the Business Innovation and Skills Committee and the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group.

"We have been assiduous in ensuring that as many people as possible know precisely what actions we are going to take," she said.

"We have been equally open and clear about the timetable for turning the Agreement into a complete Code and that is what we are sticking to.

"All the parties know precisely what the Pub Industry Agreement we reached with BII and FLVA contains, because exactly the same detailed offer has been made to them also.

"The door remains open to anyone to work with us on implementing this Code.

She added: "The process we are undertaking at present is the more detailed drafting necessary to turn the Agreement into a fully fledged Code, which will put into practical effect the terms of the Agreement.

"We are doing this as rapidly as possible. We are as keen as anyone else to have this far more detailed document out in the public domain.

"It will certainly be ready in time for presentation to and scrutiny by the public forum of the BIS Select Committee.

"The Code is a direct response to the shortcomings in our sector highlighted by the Committee, which we have acknowledged and addressed.

"It has very much been a catalyst for change and it is therefore wholly appropriate that they are the body that has the opportunity to examine the content of the Code in detail."