Explanatory Notes

Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015

2015 CHAPTER 26

26 March 2015

Commentary on Sections

Part 4: THE PUBS CODE ADJUDICATOR AND THE PUBS CODE

Advice and guidance by the Adjudicator

Section 61: Guidance

336.Subsection (1) provides that the Adjudicator must publish guidance on the criteria for deciding whether to carry out investigations, the practices and procedures for investigations, the criteria for using enforcement powers, and the criteria for deciding the amount of financial penalties. This ensures that guidance is available before the Adjudicator exercises its investigatory powers.

337.The Adjudicator may also publish additional guidance about the practices and procedures the Adjudicator intends to follow when carrying out other functions and about any matter relating to the Pubs Code. For example, this would enable the Adjudicator to give general guidance about the application of a particular provision of the Pubs Code (subsections (2) and (3)).

338.Subsection (4) states that the Adjudicator must consult as appropriate before issuing any guidance. The Adjudicator must provide initial guidance covering the topics set out in subsection (1) within 6 months of section 41 coming into force.