Star alerted the PCA of the suspected breach, relating to notes from key meetings between tied tenants and business development managers (BDMs) between 2018 and 2024.
The notes may have been incomplete, delayed beyond the 14-day legal requirement or not provided at all and covered discussions on rent negotiations, repairs and business planning, all of which must be properly recorded under the pubs code to protect tenants’ rights.
Immediate action
A spokesperson for Star Pubs told The Morning Advertiser (The MA): “In July last year, we identified issues regarding meeting minutes to be provided under the pubs code.
“After a prompt internal review, we proactively notified the PCA and took action immediately to address the situation. In the period since, we have worked closely with the PCA and are confident the measures we put in place will prevent a recurrence.”
Affected tenants have been urged to email both Star’s code compliance officer and the PCA by Tuesday 19 August 2025 to submit any evidence and report the impact this had on their business. The PCA said this feedback would help inform any potential regulatory action.
Experiences and views
PCA Fiona Dickie added: “If you are a tied tenant of Star Pubs, or were one between 2018 and 2024, your experiences and views on this matter are important and we kindly ask that you get in touch.”
The PCA’s 2025 Annual Tied Tenants Survey, published last month, showed Star Pubs saw the most improved level of satisfaction among tied tenants for the second year in a row, rising from 55% in 2023 to 70% this year.
Some 214 tenants from Star participated in the survey. There were also high satisfaction levels among those interviewed regarding their business development managers.
