Starting today, around 700 pub tenants across Scotland will gain the right to offer guest beers, a move expected to enhance consumer choice and bolster local Scottish breweries. This new provision is part of Scotland’s updated Pubs Code, which introduces the option for pub tenants to enter into Guest Beer Agreements.
The agreement allows tenants to stock at least one guest beer of their choosing, offering flexibility in both pricing and frequency of change. This means pub tenants can now directly source and serve local Scottish beers to their customers, a development that is not currently available in England and Wales, making Scotland’s scheme a first in the UK.
Jamie Delap, Scotland Regional Director of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), emphasized the potential benefits for both pub-goers and local breweries. “We often hear from customers who want local beers, but pub landlords are often unable to provide them,” said Delap. “Under the Guest Beer Agreement, pub tenants can select at least one guest beer, and Scotland’s small breweries are ready to support them. This is fantastic news for beer drinkers, brewers, and pub tenants alike.”
The only condition outlined in the Pubs Code is that the guest beer must be produced on a scale of no more than 5,000 hectolitres (around 880,000 pints). As a result, large global beer brands will likely not qualify, but most offerings from smaller Scottish breweries will fit the criteria.
The guest beer can be offered in a variety of formats, including popular keg and cask draught options, as well as bottled or canned versions. Pub tenants interested in participating are encouraged to consult with their pub companies to learn how to request a guest beer for their establishment.
This initiative is expected to foster greater variety and support Scotland’s vibrant brewing industry while providing pub patrons with more local beer options.
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