The Pubs Code is a statutory framework designed to protect tied pub tenants and promote fair and transparent relationships with large pub-owning businesses.

In England and Wales, the Pubs Code applies to pub companies owning 500 or more tied pubs. It requires pubcos to deal fairly and lawfully with tenants, particularly in relation to rent setting and the beer tie. A central protection is the Market Rent Only (MRO) option, which allows tenants, at certain trigger points, to opt out of the tie and pay an independently assessed market rent. Compliance is overseen by the Pubs Code Adjudicator, who has investigatory and enforcement powers.

Scotland operates under a separate regime introduced by the Pub Tenancy (Scotland) Act 2024. While it shares the same underlying principles of fairness, transparency and balance, it does not include an MRO option. Instead, it regulates how pub ties and rents are set and reviewed, strengthens information rights for tenants, and provides formal dispute resolution mechanisms. Oversight and enforcement sit within the Scottish regulatory framework.