Roundtable between the Pubs Code Adjudicator and Code Compliance Officers – November 2026

Objectives of the roundtable  

This roundtable was organised by the PCA to discuss the work of pub-owning businesses in relation to completion of the annual compliance report, the requirement to publish a summary of the report, and starting discussions on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in relation to Pubs Code compliance. This was part of a programme of roundtables to gather and exchange good practice ideas and examples to support mutual learning across pub companies.  

Attendees  

Scott Saunders (Admiral), Julie Jolly (Greene King), Claire Coley (Marston’s), Tom Harvey (Punch Pubs), Lynne Winter (Star Pubs), Donna Gracey (Stonegate), Fiona Dickie (the Pubs Code Adjudicator) and two members of staff from the PCA office.  

Key points  

Each regulated pub-owning business (POBs) must produce an annual Pubs Code compliance report which is submitted to the PCA. Following previous roundtable discussions and collaboration with the POBs, the 2025-26 reporting process was more proportionate and data-driven to reduce the regulatory burden on POBs, while ensuring the PCA continues to receive appropriate and meaningful information for regulatory purposes. 

The compliance report provides a wide range of information and the discussion focused on the POBs experience of completing the 2025-26 report as well as practical changes that could be made to ensure the 2026-27 process is clearer. 

The compliance reports are published by each POB on their own website, and the Pubs Code also requires each POB to publish a summary of their completed report. The discussion focused on what a clear and meaningful published summary should contain to help tenants and other stakeholders understand the business’s compliance arrangements, key Code activity, breaches, improvements and priorities. 

As part of the PCA’s 2-year strategy to embrace technological change to support better outcomes for tenants and the industry, the group then focused on understanding the current and potential use of AI in relation to Pubs Code compliance. This included the appropriate governance and assurance arrangements that are in place and sharing best practice examples. 

Next steps  

Looking forward, the PCA will continue to improve the annual compliance reporting process to minimise the regulatory burden and the Code Compliance Officers will ensure that a summary of the compliance reports is published in line with the Pubs Code. Both the PCA and CCOs will continue to review their use of AI and ensure effective governance controls are in place.