Liverpool’s pubs are the vibrant heart of its communities, but for many landlords, the reality of a ‘tied’ agreement can be far from ideal. Obligated to buy products from their pub-owning business (POB), these tenants often face higher costs than independent operators. In 2025, with a dynamic market and the Pubs Code in play, understanding your rights is crucial. Are Liverpool’s tied publicans truly getting a fair deal? This article explores the current landscape, market trends, the Pubs Code’s impact, and how expert consultancy can help you achieve a more equitable and profitable future.
Liverpool’s Pub Market in 2025
Liverpool’s pub market in 2025 is dynamic, with new venues opening and established ones adapting to evolving consumer preferences. While the city’s hospitality sector remains strong, driven by tourism and a thriving local scene, pub operators face persistent challenges such as rising labour costs, food inflation, and fluctuating consumer confidence.
Current trends indicate a continued emphasis on “experience-led” venues, with consumers seeking more than just a drink. This includes unique atmospheres, diverse food offerings, and a focus on social sharing. Value for money remains a dominant consumer attitude, but “value” now encompasses quality and a worthwhile experience, not just low prices. For tied pubs, this means the pressure to offer competitive pricing and compelling experiences is even greater, making the terms of their tie more critical than ever.
The Landscape of Tied Tenancies in Liverpool
Liverpool is home to numerous tied pubs, managed by some of the largest pub-owning businesses (POBs) in England and Wales, including Admiral, Greene King, Marston’s, Punch Pubs, Star Pubs, and Stonegate. Recent surveys by the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) highlight varying levels of tenant satisfaction across these companies. While some POBs, like Admiral and Greene King, consistently show higher satisfaction rates, others, such as Stonegate and Marston’s, have seen satisfaction levels drop.
Key areas of concern for tied tenants often revolve around rent negotiations, the fairness of purchasing agreements, and the understanding of responsibilities for repairs and dilapidations. Despite increased awareness of Pubs Code rights, navigating these complexities can still be a significant challenge for individual publicans.
The Pubs Code: What It Means for Liverpool Bars and Pubs in 2025
The Pubs Code, which came into force in 2016, continues to be a vital regulatory framework for tied pubs of large POBs (those with 500 or more tied pubs) in England and Wales. In 2025, the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) remains the key independent body enforcing the Code, ensuring fair and lawful dealing and upholding the “no worse off” principle – meaning tied tenants should be no worse off than if they were free of tie.
Key aspects of the Pubs Code in 2025 include:
- Market Rent Only (MRO) Option: This remains a critical right, allowing eligible tenants to request a free-of-tie lease at specific trigger points, such as rent reviews or lease renewals. The MRO option can be a powerful tool for achieving greater control over purchasing and potentially improving profitability.
- Rent Assessments and Negotiations: The Code provides tenants with rights concerning rent proposals and assessments, aiming for greater transparency and fairness in these crucial negotiations.
- Information Provision: POBs are required to provide comprehensive and timely information to tenants, particularly before signing a contract.
- PCA’s Role: The PCA continues to provide guidance, monitor compliance, investigate non-compliance, and arbitrate disputes. Recent reviews highlight the PCA’s focus on areas like insurance price matching and the establishment of minimum standards for short agreements.
While the core regulations remain stable, navigating the intricacies of the Pubs Code, understanding trigger points for MRO, and effectively negotiating fair terms still requires specialist knowledge.
MDE Pub Consultants: Your Ally in the Liverpool Pub Sector
For Liverpool’s tied pub tenants, ensuring a fair deal in a complex market can feel overwhelming. This is where expert guidance becomes invaluable. MDE Pub Consultants specialise in helping pub tenants, pub-owning businesses, and investors navigate the intricacies of the UK pub sector. MDE Pub Consultants offers a range of services directly relevant to Liverpool’s tied pub operators:
- Pubs Code Expertise: MDE maximises your rights under the Pubs Code, guiding you through the process of challenging excessive rents, negotiating free-of-tie agreements, and securing the best possible MRO deal.
- Rent Reviews & Lease Renewals: With a proven track record, MDE helps secure fair rents, challenges unfair increases, and structures leases for long-term success, whether on a tied or free-of-tie basis.
- Dispute Resolution: For tenants facing disputes with their pub company or landlord, MDE can provide expert support, including representation in PCA referrals and assistance with complex legal situations.
- Holistic Support: From initial lease assessments to long-term business planning, MDE offers end-to-end guidance to help pub businesses thrive.
In today’s competitive pub landscape, every margin matters. Understanding the Pubs Code and leveraging its protections can make all the difference. MDE Pub Consultants specialise in helping tied tenants like you secure fairer agreements, explore Market Rent Only (MRO) options, and maximise business potential. All your FAQs are answered by MDE team.
Liverpool’s tied publicans can confidently pursue a fairer, more profitable future for their businesses, with the right support. At MDE Pub Consultants, “We deliver tailored solutions that maximise value, reduce risk, and foster sustainable growth,” says Michael Erridge, CEO & Founder. Book a free consultation now!
Email: info@mdepc.co.uk
Phone: 0330 088 3133
