BBPA defends itself against Mulholland accusations over the Industry Framework Code

23-Sep-2012 - Last updated on 24-Sep-2012 at 13:42 GMT

The British Beer & Pub Association has defended itself against accusations that it is leading politicians “up the garden path” over the Industry Framework Code (IFC).

The chair of the Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, Greg Mulholland MP, has written to the secretary of state for Business Innovation and skills, Vince Cable, criticising the lack of progress over the IFC.

The IFC is part of the self-regulation agreement between the Government and the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) to manage the pubco/tenant relationship.

Mulholland said: “Minister and civil servants are now starting to realise that they have been lead up the garden path by the BBPA and the pubcos and should now step in and look again at the this new framework.”

The latest version of the framework code – version six - is being formulated after discussions with the BBPA, BII, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) and licensee trade body Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations (FLVA). However, all groups involved have yet to endorse the latest code.

However, Dr Martin Rawlings director of pub & leisure, BBPA said: "In October 2011 the Government asked us to make specific enhancements to the Industry Framework Code, and confirm its legal status, by December – which we delivered.

"Alongside this the sector launched the PICA-Service, supported by PIRRS, which has already dealt with complaints and I’m sure will become a real asset for publicans and landlords alike. Continuing with our commitments the next improved code will be ready in the near-future and we look forward, with our partners, to publishing it.

“It is vital that in bringing new participants in to the Framework Code that we make sure that the agreement and code is right for everyone. This is no time for a quick fix. This is about a long-term solution which requires give-and-take from all participants.”