The Drinks Business reports that approximately 700 pubs across Scotland will be permitted to showcase a "guest beer" starting this week, following recent updates to Scotland's Pubs Code. This new right is significant because it does not currently exist within the Pubs Code governing England and Wales, positioning Scotland as a pioneer in enhancing consumer choice and supporting local breweries throughout the UK.
Under the revised Pubs Code, publicans can select and sell at least one guest beer of their choosing without price restrictions, and they may change this offering as frequently as desired. This move will allow tenants to purchase beer directly from brewers, further enriching the options available to customers.
Jamie Delap, SIBA’s Scotland regional director and managing director of Fyne Ales, commented, “Currently, only a small proportion of all dispense lines in Scotland are open to commercial offers from independent brewers, while we know that there is a lot of unfulfilled demand from consumers for indie beer and that many venues can benefit from adding an independent beer into their line-up.” He acknowledged that pub landlords have faced challenges in providing local beer options requested by patrons. Yet, the new guest beer agreement offers an opportunity for tenants to enhance their offerings and potentially increase sales and profitability by incorporating distinctive local brews.
The regulation stipulates that chosen guest beers must meet a production scale of no more than 5,000 hectolitres, equating to about 880,000 pints. Major global beer brands are likely to be excluded from participating, while numerous smaller breweries will fall within this limit and therefore be eligible to have their products featured.
Moreover, the Society of Independent Brewers has indicated that the guest beers can be offered in various formats, including keg and cask draught, alongside bottles and cans.
The impact of this initiative has been welcomed by industry leaders, with CAMRA Scotland director Stuart McMahon stating, “Pubgoers are welcoming the news.” McMahon highlighted that the new arrangements will empower tied pub tenants to offer guest beers free from any contractual limitations, thereby broadening customer choices at the bar and promoting products from Scotland's independent breweries. Additionally, he remarked that the updated Pubs Code aims to ensure fair treatment for tied tenants, providing them with enhanced opportunities for sustainability and financial viability.
Pubs across Scotland interested in integrating guest beers into their offerings are now encouraged to engage with their pub companies to facilitate requests under this new scheme. This development stands to reshape the landscape of the Scottish pub industry while simultaneously supporting local craft beer producers and enriching the drinking experience for consumers.
Source: Noah Wire Services