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Public Houses: Codes of Practice

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeDepartment for Business, Innovation, Science and TradeTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 23080

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, pursuant to the answer of 17 June 2026 to question 8261 on Public Houses: Codes of Practice, by when does he plan to publish the beer market access review.

Answered by Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that the beer and pub sector remains diverse, competitive and rooted in local communities, supporting jobs, investment and growth across towns and villages.

The Government has conducted a review of the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small breweries from accessing pubs. I have met with all parties involved in the review to hear their evidence directly and are carefully considering the evidence submitted alongside input from competition policy experts.

Recently CAMRA has written to the Competition and Markets Authority requesting a market investigation into this area. Given the CMA's role as the UK's independent competition regulator, it is important that it is allowed the opportunity to consider that request and determine whether any action is appropriate. Therefore, the Government will not comment further on specific policy options or market interventions at this stage. The outcome of the review will be announced in due course.

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