BII considers rent scheme extension

The BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) is examining plans to extend its low-cost rent arbitration scheme to apply to lease renewals and include a general mediation function.

Pilots of a mediation service under The Pubs Independent Rent Review Scheme (PIRRS), which offers tenants the chance to resolve rent disputes from as little as £1,000, are currently underway. BII chief executive Neil Robertson told the Morning Advertiser: "Our experience of [PIRRS] has been positive and what we will be offering is a mediation service between the tenant and pubco.

"We are not claiming it's a full legal mediation; it's not, it's an informal process."

The service would be free to BII members, with a slight charge for non-members.

Robertson said plans were underway to see whether PIRRS could apply to lease renewals — currently it can be used only by tenants at rent review. "We've had feedback on how to fine-tune the scheme and we will continue to do that throughout the year," Robertson added.

Meanwhile, the BII plans to run a series of business-building services for members this year, focusing on subjects including marketing, wine and staffing. And a series of training and support packages are to focus on compliance, with areas such as health and safety, food safety and licensing.