Scottish Pubs Code and Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator review: consultation

Background - Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator

The Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator is responsible for overseeing and enforcing the Scottish Pubs Code. Sarah Havlin was formally appointed by Scottish Ministers as the Adjudicator in June 2024. This is an independent role. The Scottish Pubs Code Adjudicator’s office (SPCA) is a public body.

As part of the Adjudicator’s responsibility to oversee and enforce the Code, the Adjudicator may:

• investigate non-compliance with the Code;
• give advice and guidance on the Code;
• carry out enforcement actions (which include financial penalties); and
• arbitrate in disputes between pub-owning businesses and tenants.

The Adjudicator can impose financial penalties if there is found to be a breach of the Code.

The Adjudicator’s office is funded via an industry levy paid by the pub-owning businesses.

As a public body, the SPCA operates under a formal framework and is subject to the Scottish Public Finance Manual for financial accountability.