The Pubs Code Scotland is coming into effect on 31st March 2025, giving tied pub tenants the immediate right to a free-of-tie product line—whether keg, cask, or bottled beer. This is a game-changing opportunity to increase your margins, expand your product range, and take the first step toward greater business independence.
At MDE Pub Consultants, we handle the entire process to ensure your pub benefits from this new legal right, with no hassle, no excessive fees, and complete compliance.
For £1,750 (paid in two instalments), we will:
✅ Manage the entire process – We handle all communication with your Pub Owning Business (POB), ensuring everything is dealt with efficiently and correctly.
✅ Handle all paperwork – We oversee the entire process, including the Deed of Variation, making sure it is reasonable, compliant, and free from hidden costs.
✅ Challenge unreasonable costs – We ensure that any additional fees charged by your landlord are fair and in line with the Pubs Code.
✅ Ensure a smooth transition – From start to finish, we take care of everything, so you can focus on running your pub.
✅ Review your lease for MRO eligibility – We assess whether you may qualify for a full Market Rent Only (MRO) lease in the future, giving you a pathway to become completely free of tie.
✅ Introduce you to trusted suppliers – We connect you with local suppliers offering preferential rates, ensuring you get the best pricing on your free-of-tie product.
✅ Fee Deduction for MRO Clients – If you later go fully MRO, we deduct this fee from our MRO consulting fee.
✔ Boost Profits – Free-of-tie products usually come at a lower cost than tied products, meaning higher margins for your business.
✔ Greater Choice – Stock local and independent breweries or any brand of your choice to attract more customers.
✔ More Control – You decide what to stock, when to stock it, and at what price.
✔ Step Toward Full Independence – Getting a free-of-tie product line is the first step toward full MRO, giving you more negotiating power in future lease discussions.
The Pubs Code Scotland is now in effect, and the sooner you apply, the sooner you start benefiting.
At MDE Pub Consultants, we have extensive experience in navigating the complexities of the Pubs Code. Having successfully handled over 200 MRO cases and 70+ rent determinations in England, we understand exactly how Pub Owning Businesses operate and the tactics they use to delay or complicate the process. We have a proven track record of ensuring tenants secure their rights, maximise their profitability, and avoid unnecessary costs.
With our specialist knowledge, we will:
✅ Ensure full compliance with the Pubs Code to avoid delays or rejection.
✅ Challenge any unreasonable landlord costs to protect your profits.
✅ Handle all negotiations and paperwork so you don’t have to.
✅ Connect you with trusted local suppliers offering competitive pricing.
✅ Provide expert lease advice to plan for your future MRO options.
👉 Don’t let unnecessary red tape or landlord delays hold you back. Let us secure your free-of-tie product line quickly and hassle-free.
📞 Call us now on 0330 088 3133 or email info@mdepc.co.uk to get started.
A free-of-tie product line allows you to stock and purchase a product of your choice from any supplier, rather than being restricted to your Pub Owning Business’s (POB) supply agreements.
The product must be from a smaller independent brewery that produces below a certain volume threshold. This means you cannot choose a mainstream national brand, but you can stock local, independent, and craft brewery products in keg, cask, or bottle form.
Yes, if you are a tied pub tenant in Scotland, you qualify immediately from 30th March 2025, regardless of the size of your Pub Owning Business (POB). This right is available to all Scottish tied tenants under the Pubs Code Scotland.
We expect the process to take 4 to 8 weeks from start to finish, assuming there are no delays or challenges from the Pub Owning Business (POB).
While you can apply for a free-of-tie product line yourself, the POB may try to delay or discourage your request. The Pubs Code sets out a strict legal process, and failing to follow it correctly can lead to delays or rejection. We ensure the process runs smoothly, handling all paperwork, negotiations, and compliance issues so you get your free-of-tie product line without unnecessary hassle.
Our fee is fixed at £1,750, payable in two installments, with no hidden extras. If you later go fully MRO, this fee will be deducted from our MRO consulting fee.
No, the Pubs Code Scotland allows for only one free-of-tie product line per tied pub. However, this can be a keg, cask, or bottled product.
Once secured, you can purchase your chosen product from any supplier at competitive market rates, increasing your profit margins and product flexibility. We can also review your lease and assess your eligibility for a full MRO lease, giving you a pathway to complete freedom from product and service ties.
POBs must comply with the law. If they delay or impose unreasonable costs, we will challenge them on your behalf, ensuring you receive your free-of-tie line as quickly and fairly as possible.
Simply contact us today and we’ll take care of everything—from serving the formal request to ensuring a smooth transition.
If you need any help, please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you within 1 business day. Or if in a hurry, just call us now.
Call : 0330 088 3133
Info@mdepc.co.uk Mon – Fri 09:00-17:00