From today, the Scottish Pubs Code will enable tied pub tenants to stock a wider range of beers beyond those supplied through the pub-owning business. Pub-owning businesses will also have to provide prospective tenants with more information on things like business costs, helping them make more informed choices.

Further elements of the code will be introduced in June. These will include allowing tenants to request different leases that will give them greater responsibility and flexibility in the way that they run their business.

An independent Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator – Sarah Havlin – has started work overseeing the application of the code and ruling on any disputes.

The code is intended to create a fairer operating environment between tenants and landlords, reduce costly disputes and help safeguard the future of Scotland’s tied tenanted pubs and bars.

Employment minister Tom Arthur said: “This is a good deal for Scotland’s hospitality sector. We are rebalancing the relationship between pub tenants and pub-owning businesses, making it easier to do business and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs in the tied pub sector.

“And it is a boost for customers who could now find a much fuller array of local draught beers in their favourite pubs.

“I will continue to engage with the sector to ensure that the Code places the interests of both tenants and landlords at its heart.”