PUB Partnerships
The partnership pub model lets entrepreneurs run their own pub with support from a pub company
Thanks to this model, pub companies invest millions of pounds every year into our
much-loved locals, with publicans having protections under the statutory Pubs Code or the industry’s voluntary codes
Please to watch this video.
Please to watch this video.
How the model works
From insights on sales trends to health and safety guidance, pub companies help publicans to run thriving businesses at the heart of their communities. During times of difficulty the partnership pub model has also ensured pubs across the country are supported to keep on operating.
Statutory Pubs Code
The Statutory Code (the Pubs Code etc. Regulations 2016) is legally binding on companies operating 500 or more tied pubs, with the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) overseeing the Code. The BBPA and those member companies are committed to working positively with the PCA. To provide transparency on key elements of the Code, the six companies covered publish monthly data on responses to MRO-applications from tenants and the outcomes of these. This table summarises the overall results.

About the Pubs Code
- Voluntary Pubs Code
- PIRRS and PICA-Services
- Pubs Code Adjudicator
Voluntary Pubs Code
The codes of practice for leased and tenanted pubs govern the business relationship between pub companies and publicans operating under 500 tied public houses. It is the result of constructive dialogue between those representing pub and brewing companies with tied estates and tenant and lessee representatives. There are three codes covering leased pubs, tenanted pubs, and a bespoke code for Scotland.
The Pub Governing Body, made up of representatives of pub company and tenant organisations, oversees the Voluntary Codes. From January 2019 the PGB have introduced a new accreditation mark for those companies who are signed up to the Codes and who submit a satisfactory annual compliance report to the PG demonstrating continued adherence to the Code. The accreditation logo is for use by companies on promotional materials to highlight they are signed up to the Codes and to provide comfort for new and existing tenants and lessees.
PIRRS and PICA-Services
BBPA members and other companies that are signatories to the voluntary codes of practice offer dispute resolution systems with publicans who have a tenancy or lease with a supply agreement. Lessees and tenants covered by the code have access to the low-cost arbitration services for rents (PIRRS) and other disputes (PICA-Service), overseen by the independent Pub Governing Body (PGB).
Pubs Code Adjudicator
Working with Local Partnerships to Support Pubs
The BBPA and member companies are committed to promoting a responsible drinking culture in the UK; we work with a range of stakeholders to help achieve this. As such, the BBPA endorses a number of local partnership initiatives, which work together to provide effective solutions to local issues. The initiatives bring together businesses, local authorities and police at a local level to tackle alcohol-related issues.

Ask for Angela
Ask for Angela is a discreet way to ask for support if you need it for any reason. By asking for “Angela”, you can let staff know quickly, quietly and without fuss that you need help.
If you ask for Angela, trained staff will respond calmly and appropriately, taking your lead.

National Pubwatch
National Pubwatch is a voluntary organisation set up to promote best practice through supporting the work of local Pubwatch Schemes.

Best Bar None
Best Bar None accredited venues have been assessed for their commitment to excellence in safety, customer service, and responsible alcohol management practices.

Purple Flag
Purple Flag is an international accreditation programme that aims to reward those who achieve this in their destinations after dark. It strives to help create safe and thriving locations at night for all users.

Pub is the Hub
Pub is The Hub is a not-for-profit organisation, which offers independent specialist advice to publicans on rural services diversification so they can all provide viable local services or activities which add social value in their area.
Resources & Action

Armed Forces Covenant
We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families across the industry.
By signing the Covenant we pledge to recognise the skills, experiences, and contributions of the Armed Forces community, and help the sector ensure the community faces no disadvantage in accessing employment, services, or opportunities.

The Open to All Charter
The Charter was developed with the BBPA’s members to promote workplaces that attract and retain a diverse workforce.
By committing to inclusive recruitment, fair treatment and strong support for employees, the Charter strengthens the sector’s ability to develop skilled teams and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Challenge 21 and Challenge 25
The BBPA’s Challenge 21 scheme has been raising awareness among publicans and their staff of the need to be vigilant in preventing underage sales for over 20 years. The scheme serves as a reminder to customers that it is against the law to purchase alcohol if you are under 18, or to purchase alcohol on behalf of someone who is under 18.

World Cup Guidance
Our World Cup guidance, produced in partnership with UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the Local Government Association and the National Police Chiefs’ Council aims to encourage police, licensing authorities and the licensed trade to work together to ensure the safe and successful showing of football tournaments in pubs.

Long Live the Local
Our Long Live The Local Campaign exists to save pubs in communities across the UK through reducing the unfair tax burden on our sector.
Add your support, it only takes two minutes but could help your beloved local stay open.

Joint Member Survey
Each quarter, the BBPA along with other hospitality trade bodies (the British Institute of Innkeeping, Hospitality Ulster and UKHospitality) survey our members across a range of topics to gauge sentiment and collect data on business operations.
The responses represent approximately a wide range of hospitality sites across the UK.

Latest Employment & Skills Consultations
The government is seeking views through open consultations related to employment and workforce policy as part of its Employment Rights Act.

England Pub Business Rates Calculator
We have developed a practical and easy to use calculator to help publicans estimate what their business rates are likely to be.


