Break the tie and reduce pub beer costs — two critical steps to reclaiming control for tied tenants across England and Wales. Traditional local pubs in England & Wales have long served as vital community hubs. But rising beer prices, restrictive leases, and shifting regulations are now placing immense strain on their survival. For many publicans, especially those tied to pub-owning companies, these pressures limit profitability and flexibility.
At the centre of this issue is the tied lease model, which forces tenants into expensive supply contracts and reduces their ability to manage costs or make independent decisions. This is where MDE Pub Consultants, a trusted pubs code consultant, makes the difference. By guiding tenants through the Market Rent Only (MRO) process, conducting strategic rent reviews, and supporting full lease restructuring, MDE Pub Consultants helps tenants break the pub tie, assert their pub tenant rights, and most importantly, reduce pub beer costs by enabling them to negotiate with independent suppliers and secure more competitive pricing.
The Bell Inn in Aldworth (One of the traditional local pubs in England)
Understanding the Struggles of Pub Tenants Under Tied Leases
For many traditional pub tenants, tied leases are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they provide an entry point for running a pub. On the other, they limit freedom and profitability by forcing tenants to buy beer and other products directly from the pub-owning business – often at inflated prices.
In an era of soaring costs – driven by inflation, energy price hikes, and supply chain instability – this model leaves tenants financially vulnerable. Margins are squeezed, and without the ability to choose alternative suppliers or negotiate better deals, many tenants feel trapped.
What Is the Pubs Code and How Does It Help Tenants?
The Pubs Code was designed to level the playing field. It applies to pub-owning businesses with more than 500 tied pubs in England and Wales and aims to ensure tenants are treated fairly and not worse off than if they were free of tie.
A key provision is the Market Rent Only (MRO) option, which allows tenants, at specific trigger points (like lease renewals or rent reviews), to request a free-of-tie lease. This means they can negotiate their rent independently and source products from outside suppliers – giving them real control over their business and the chance to boost profitability.
However, the MRO process is legally complex. Tenants often face strong resistance from landlords or become lost in the technicalities of the Pubs Code. That’s why having a knowledgeable pubs code consultant is essential.
Comprehensive Consultancy for Both Pub Tenants
MDE Pub Consultants Services for Pub Tenants in England & Wales
We provide clear and practical MRO lease guidance, helping you understand your rights under the Pubs Code and evaluate whether breaking from a tied agreement offers better long-term value for your pub.
Our team delivers expert rent review and dispute resolution support by analysing proposed rents, benchmarking them against market data, and negotiating on your behalf to ensure fair, Code-aligned outcomes.
If your landlord presents unfair or non-compliant terms, we offer strong arbitration and legal support, preparing referrals to the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) and defending your interests with proven legal strategies.
We conduct full lease compliance reviews to uncover any Pubs Code breaches and offer tailored exit strategy advice to help you maximise the value of your lease post-MRO conversion or during assignment.
For traditional pub tenants who successfully transition to a free-of-tie lease, one of the most immediate benefits is the ability to source beer and other supplies at market rates. No longer bound to inflated tied pricing, tenants can access better wholesale deals, negotiate volume discounts, and choose suppliers that align with their business goals. This supplier freedom – combined with the right rent strategy – can lead to substantial savings on operating costs.
With expert support from MDE Pub Consultants, tenants not only gain legal clarity but also unlock real financial advantages that improve long-term sustainability.
Break the Pub Tie: Empower Your Pub’s Future with MDE Guidance
For pub tenants under financial pressure, waiting can mean missed opportunities. The window to submit an MRO notice or dispute a rent review is often limited. MDE Pub Consultants have helped countless tenants across England and Wales understand their rights, fight for fair treatment, and ultimately regain control of their pubs.
Now is the time to act. Don’t let tied lease terms define your future – contact MDE Pub Consultants today for expert advice, legal clarity, and a strategy that puts your pub back in your hands.
Email: info@mdepc.co.uk
Phone: 0330 088 3133
