Online course for trade newcomers

New entrants to the pub trade will now have to undertake a two-hour course to ensure they understand the complexities of the tenanted and leased model.

The BII's Pre-Entry Awareness Training (PEAT) scheme has been developed in response to last year's highly critical Business, Industry & Skills Committee report.

It will be mandatory for newcomers taking on a tenancy or lease with a British Beer & Pub Association member under its Framework Code of Practice.

There is an exemption for experienced operators at the discretion of the pub company.

The two-hour course will cost £20 and can be completed online over a 30-day period on the BII website.

The course aims to highlight the main issues to be considered and investigated before an agreement is signed and to ensure tenants and lessees are aware of the implications of the tied model.

It also aims to inform them about the different types of agreements available, rental calculations and the legal consequences of breaching an agreement.

At the end of the online course, candidates have to answer 10 questions correctly before they are able to receive their certificate — although the questions can be retaken at any time within the 30-day limit.

"This is a very important step for the industry and is one of the reasons why we signed up to the code," said BII chief executive Neil Robertson.

"But, most importantly, this training will save tenants and lessees money."

Controversial campaigner Inez Ward, who had a series of infamous bust-ups with her pubco Enterprise Inns, was on the steering group developing the course along with pubco representatives.

It is understood that several pubcos are in talks over providing the course free for all newcomers to the trade.