PUBS are closing at the rate of more than 20 a week but the vast majority of tied tenants are unaware aware of a new code that gives them more rights and greater protection when dealing with large pub companies.

Often pubs go under because of spiralling rent charged by the large pub companies.

Next week the Pubs Advisory Service (PAS) is staging an event in Hampshire to publicise the new government’s “Pubs Code” which came into force on July 21.

All businesses owning 500 or more tied pubs (Punch, Green King, Marstons, Admiral, and Stars and Bars) in England and Wales are covered by the new code.

This gives around 12,000 tenants new rights and protections such as increased transparency about the tied deals available, a fair rent assessment and the right to move to a free-of-tie tenancy in certain circumstances.

Derby publican Dave Mountford, who co-founded PAS, believes the code will prevent many pubs from going bust and could end the tied pub business model if it is applied correctly.

However, the code needs more publicity. “About 95 per cent of tenants don’t know about the code, " said Dave.

“The trade press survives on sponsorship from pubcos and the wider media have avoided the subject because they don’t understand it.”

PAS has organised a series of roadshows around the country to promote the code. The next one is at Totton Conservative Club at 7pm on Tuesday evening.

We are trying to get as many tenants as possible to sign up and take part in the consultation process about how breaches of the code will be dealt with.”

While welcoming the code Dave has criticised the choice of the Pubs Code Adjudicator, who oversees the operation of the code and will arbitrate disputes and investigate breaches.

The adjudicator is Paul Newby whose appointment fuelled claims of conflict of interest, because he was a director for surveyors Fleurets, which acted regularly for the large pub companies.

To find out more about next Tuesday’s event call 0203 651 3351, 0779 2198954 or email support@pubs.expert.