Dear David,

Stonegate Pubs’ introduction of charges for branded glasses & closing the free supply route from brewers for tied tenants

We have been approached by a number of Stonegate tied tenants who have told us that Stonegate have introduced a charge for branded tied beer supply glasses that hitherto have been provided for free either via Stonegate or direct from the brewers themselves. This has now also been reported in the trade press.

This action means that tied tenants will incur additional charges for dispensing tied beer supply in the correct glassware, something that is important and something that brewers/producers want to happen. You will be aware that serving drinks, including beer and cider in glasses branded with another beer/cider could be deemed a breach of the Trade Descriptions legislation (if not explained to the customer). In any case, it can be confusing and is something that brewers/producers do not like…