Many Scottish pub tenants are tied into exclusive beer purchasing agreements with their pub company, limiting choice, flexibility, and often margin. But with the introduction of the Scottish Pubs Code, there is now a new opportunity for tenants to exercise more control over their beer range — and support the Scottish brewing community in the process.
What Is the Guest Beer Entitlement?
Under the Scottish Pubs Code Regulations, qualifying tied tenants in Scotland now have the legal right to install one keg tap for a guest beer of their choice — outside of their tied beer range — provided it meets the eligibility criteria. This initiative, championed by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), is intended to:
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Support small, independent Scottish brewers
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Give tied tenants more flexibility
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Increase consumer choice at the bar
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Strengthen the local beer economy
This entitlement is known as the Guest Beer Agreement, and it’s already starting to change the Scottish beer landscape.
Eligibility Criteria: What Makes a Beer ‘Guest Beer’ Compliant?
To qualify under the regulations, the beer must meet all the following conditions:
✔️ Produced by a brewery with an annual output of 5,000 hectolitres or less (approx. 880,000 pints)
✔️ Not mass-produced or owned by a global brewing group
The brand-owning breweries must confirm that qualifying brands meet these standards. SIBA maintains an up-to-date list of compliant beers on guestbeer.co.uk, and many of these beers are flagged with enhanced information if the brewery is a SIBA member or has opted for premium listing.
What You Can Do as a Pub Tenant
As a tied tenant, you are entitled to:
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Replace one of your tied keg lines with a qualifying guest beer line
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Choose your supplier — beers can be purchased via preferred suppliers, or directly from the brewery
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Rotate beers as often as you like, provided they each meet the criteria
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Submit a formal request to your pub company to install the line — which cannot be unreasonably refused or penalised
Common Misconceptions – Debunked
❌ “I can install any beer I want.”
✅ Only qualifying beers under 5,000 HL/year are allowed. Use guestbeer.co.uk to check eligibility.
❌ “My pub company will charge me more on my other products if I install a guest beer.”
✅ Under the Pubs Code, no financial detriment can be applied to tied tenants exercising this right.
❌ “I need permission to remove a tied line.”
✅ No — you can remove one tied line and replace it with a guest beer line, with the correct notice.
The Business Opportunity
✔️ Boost profit margins by choosing a beer with better value
✔️ Attract new customers looking for something local, unique, and craft
✔️ Support independent brewers and keep money in the local economy
✔️ Stand out from the crowd by offering something different from other tied pubs
SIBA estimates that this initiative could unlock up to £28 million in value for Scottish breweries, with similar potential across the wider UK market if adopted elsewhere.
How Coilean Can Help
Whether you’re a tied pub operator looking to explore your options, or a supplier interested in unlocking this growing market, Coilean Hospitality Solutions offers expert guidance on every step of the process.
We provide:
🔹 Eligibility Checks – Confirm your chosen beer meets the legal criteria
🔹 Supplier Links – Connect you with compliant brands and suppliers
🔹 Formal Templates – We’ll supply ready-to-send request letters for your pub company
🔹 Training & Sales Enablement – Perfect for wholesalers and drinks teams looking to tap into this new channel
🔹 Marketing Advice – Make the most of your guest beer line with pricing and promotion support
Final Word
The Guest Beer Entitlement is more than just a regulatory win — it's an exciting chance to reshape what beer choice looks like in Scotland’s tied pub sector.
With the right support, suppliers, and strategy, it can become a genuine profit driver and a point of difference in a competitive market.
➡️ Visit guestbeer.co.uk to explore eligible beers
➡️ Or speak to Coilean to get started with your guest beer line