Dudley MP Ian Austin has backed a new law to make sure local pub landlords are charged a fair rent.

The MP has added his name in support of changes to the Small Business Bill so that landlords must be offered the option of renting their pub at a market rate without buying all their beer from the pub’s owner.

Local campaigners including Campaign for Real Ale members are hoping that the measure will be part of a forthcoming ‘Pubs Charter’ to ensure that landlords get a fair deal from big pub companies.

Austin is long-standing support of the campaign and has recently pushed for pubs like the Seven Stars in Sedgley to be protected as community assets.

Ian Austin said:

“The Black Country is home to some of the best brewers in Britain like Holdens and Fownes, and brilliant pubs like the Courthouse, the Fountain and the Jolly Crispin.

“I’ve supported CAMRA’s campaign for ‘Pubs Charter’ from the start so landlords get a fair deal from big brewers which will help keep local pubs open.

“I’m joining local campaigners for a final push so we can make sure fairer rents are part of the deal.”