The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) and UKHospitality have responded to the announcement that pub companies subject to the Pubs Code have offered to waive anonymity in arbitration decisions.

Mike Clist, BII Chief Executive said: “We welcome the decision of the six pub companies that have jointly written to Richard Harrington MP, BEIS Minister to waive their right to confidentiality in respect of arbitration decisions made by the PCA.

“Transparency of awards made by the PCA is, we believe, one of the ways that will speed up decisions which can only benefit those tenants applying for MRO.”

UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls added: “ We echo the comments of the BII and feel confident the decision to waive anonymity and bring these decisions out into the open should bring a welcome sense of transparency and clarity to the process. However, the chief issue and biggest barrier to progress remains the time being taken to work through disputes. The PCA is still taking far too long and the process is in desperate need of speeding up, as businesses are at risk of going bust while cases are being heard.

“UKHospitality is ready and willing to continue to work with all parties to facilitate the process and bring about speedy resolutions.”