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Public Houses: Codes of Practice

Asked by James NaishLabourDepartment for Business, Innovation, Science and TradeTabled Answered 3 September 2026UIN 22225

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the Pubs Code Adjudicator on compliance with the statutory Pubs Code.

Answered by Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) is a separate statutory entity independent of Government. The PCA completed its first investigation, into Star Pubs, in 2020, resulting in a penalty of £1.25m. The PCA launched an investigation into Stonegate Pubs in July 2026, which is ongoing. The PCA publishes information about its investigations on its website and in its Annual Report & Accounts.

The Department has regular dialogue with the PCA across the range of the PCA's responsibilities.

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