BREWERS have welcomed new legislation designed to give publicans more freedom on how they source their beer.

MPs voted on Tuesday last week in support of an amendment to the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill, giving pub tenants tied to big companies — those with 500 or more outlets – the ability to demand market rent-only agreements.

Previously, some pubs had been forced to buy alcohol from the parent company in return for a reduced rent on the premises.

Some of Britain’s biggest landlords ­— such as Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns ­— have warned that reforming the historic beer tie between tenants and companies could result in a fresh wave of up to 1,400 pub closures and 7,000 job losses.

But local brewers said the move would ultimately offer greater choice for licensees.

Richard Shelton, a director at Ilkley Brewery, said: “Overall, it’s a positive step.

“Hopefully it will open up the market to allow pubs to buy the right beer for them at the right prices.

“It should come down to choosing quality beer for pub owners and customers, not just from a small list with over-inflated prices.”

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) had supported the campaign, saying the change would help more pubs stay open and ensure the cost of a pint remained affordable.

The market-rent only plans would only be triggered at key points in the cycle of a lease or tenancy.

This includes rent reviews, lease renewals, or on the sale of the title of a property, or if there was a major change in prices or circumstances ­— such as a cheaper pub opening next door.