A CRUCIAL vote to secure competitive rates for pub landlords has been narrowly passed in Parliament.

Supporters of the Market Rent Only amendment to the Small Business Enterprise and Employment Bill recorded victory by a margin of 15 votes in the House of Commons to ensure tied agreements– where tenants pay marked up prices for alcohol - are fair to publicans.

The 284 votes in favour of the amendment also means landlords have the option to by beer from anywhere instead of being held to prices set by breweries.

Paul Crossman is subjected to a tied agreement at The Swan, on Bishopgate Street, but believes the vote will ease the pressure on his business.

He said: "It's absolutely unbelievable.

"We all thought the Government would close ranks but a lot of people have rebelled to get it through and they have done the right thing for pubs and publicans.

"Those of us in a tied relationship with a pub company and thinks they are losing out will go through a process of becoming free of tie and pay an agreed market rent on their pub.

"If it goes through to law The Swan will be able to sell what it wants and buy from wherever it wants, which will be great for staff and customers, and transform a huge part of the industry."

Craig Lee, managing director of York's Rudgate Brewery said: "It's a positive move.

"The product they are buying at the moment is over-priced but this is heading in the right direction.

"It will keep more pubs open which will gives us more trading options and more potential customers."