PCA publishes response to the Law Commission first consultation on future of security under LTA 1954

The Pubs Code Adjudicator is pleased to have responded to the Law Commission's first consultation on the future of security of tenure for business tenants under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.  

As noted in our consultation response, there are complex interactions between the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and Pubs Code regulations. Although the Pubs Code does not regulate against the 1954 Act, it includes references to the 1954 Act to ensure that procedures under the Pubs Code work alongside the statutory rights given to protected tenants.  

The PCA regulates by enforcing compliance with the existing legislation and seeks to ensure that the Pubs Code affords effective protections to tied tenants, including in its interplay between the 1954 Act, and that there is balance in the tied business relationship.  

Given the potential impact on the tied pub market due to any changes to the 1954 Act, the PCA would recommend that, as proposals are considered and developed, further consideration be given to assessing the impact of any proposed changes on the tied pub industry and the Pubs Code.  

The Law Commission published its interim statement on direction of reform on 4 June 2025 and the PCA will continue to engage with the Law Commission and stakeholders in relation to plans for reform.