The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) has launched the 2025 Annual Tied Tenant Survey, aiming to gather insights from tied pub tenants across England and Wales.
Launch of the 2025 PCA Annual Tied Tenant Survey
The PCA’s Annual Tied Tenant Survey, launched on January 13th, 2025, gathers the views and experiences of tied pub tenants about their relationships with six major pub companies: Admiral, Greene King, Marston’s, Punch, Star Pubs & Bars, and Stonegate.
This survey is a crucial tool for the PCA to enforce the statutory Pubs Code, ensuring transparency and fairness in the business relationships between these pub companies and their tenants.
Survey Objectives and Methodology
The survey, conducted by the independent research company Ipsos, will randomly approach a representative sample of tied tenants to gather their opinions on various topics, including their satisfaction with the tenant relationship, awareness of the Pubs Code, and the effectiveness of the PCA.
The PCA will weight the collected data to ensure it represents the regulated tied tenant universe, accounting for pub company estate size and region.
Industry and Tenant Satisfaction
The survey results from previous years have shown varying levels of satisfaction among tenants. For instance, in the 2024 survey, 63% of tenants were satisfied with their tenant relationship, while 21% were dissatisfied.
Marston’s, Admiral, and Greene King consistently ranked high in overall tenant satisfaction, with Star Pubs & Bars showing a significant improvement from the previous year.
Statistics
- 63% of tenants were satisfied with their tenant relationship in the 2024 survey.
- The survey targets 1,200 tied tenants each year.
- Marston’s, Admiral, and Greene King had the highest overall satisfaction rates in 2024.
Leadership Response
The results inform our regulatory work, and it is important for the industry to see these pub company comparisons. The highest overall satisfaction results from Marston’s, Admiral, and Greene King set a standard pub companies should be seeking to attain and exceed.
Fiona Dickie, Pubs Code Adjudicator.
The PCA’s commitment to transparency and fairness is reflected in these surveys, which help in driving improvements across the industry.
Progress and Targets
- The PCA aims to maintain high levels of tenant satisfaction through continuous engagement and support.
- Trust in the PCA’s independence has increased, with 64% of tenants trusting the PCA to be independent from pub companies in 2024.
- The PCA will continue to work closely with pub companies and tenants to establish fair relationships.
Local and Regional Impact
The survey’s findings have significant implications for local communities, as community pubs are vital to local residents. The support and relationships between pub companies and their licensees directly impact the sustainability and success of these community pubs.
Immediate Implications
The 2025 PCA Annual Tied Tenant Survey takes an important step towards amplifying the voices of tied pub tenants and addressing their concerns. This initiative will help in maintaining and improving the standards of transparency and fairness in the pub industry.
Broader Significance: Market Implications
The ongoing surveys by the PCA not only reflect the current state of the pub industry but also drive long-term improvements. By setting standards and encouraging best practices, the PCA contributes to a healthier and more sustainable pub sector, which is crucial for both the economy and local communities.