JACKIE Baillie MSP and her Scottish Labour colleague Neil Bibby MSP visited the Glencairn pub in Dumbarton to discuss Mr Bibby’s proposed Member’s Bill for Scottish Tied Pub Reform with local publican Tommy Murray.

The proposal would benefit tenants of pubs who have a ‘tied’ arrangement with large owning companies – often known as ‘pubcos’.

Under the current arrangements, these tenants often have a contractual obligation to buy some or all products from the pubco, which can greatly restrict the choice of beer, cider, wine and spirits available - as well as forcing tenants to sell more expensive drinks due to pricing structures they must follow.

Simply put, tied arrangements can negatively impact on consumer choice, access to market for Scottish breweries, the price of a pint to consumers and can, in some cases, lead to pubs closing down.

A Pubs Code came into force in England and Wales in May 2016 that offers a way out for tied tenants who are trapped in unworkable arrangements with large pub companies. A new voluntary code was recently introduced in Scotland, but is not adhered to by all pub companies and does not go as far as the statutory code in England and Wales.

The proposal recently launched by Neil Bibby MSP would allow Scottish licensees similar opportunities to opt out of their tied arrangements and ensure that they pay a fair market price for their premises.

It is estimated that there are nearly 1,000 tenanted pubs in Scotland.